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35 <br /> 2. Reporter's Handbook—With a high turnover rate of area reporters, editors and <br /> publishers, it is necessary to develop a handbook that can be quickly updated and <br /> distributed to new reporters. This publication will include City Council members' <br /> photos, bios, and phone numbers. This packet will also include photos and <br /> information on the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager's. It will also be <br /> important to include the city's organizational chart, an <br /> Action Plan: <br /> ? July 2003 —September 2003 —Call fellow 3CMA members to see if any have this <br /> sort of booklet and see what is the most informational and affordable. Also, talk <br /> with the City Managers Office and Department Heads about what they would like <br /> to see in the handbook. <br /> ? October- November 2003 —Develop a Reporter's Handbook. Finish the <br /> handbook and give to current reporters (old and new). Have several handbooks <br /> available for new reporters, editors or publishers. <br /> ? December 2003 —June 2006—Update the handbook when necessary on changes, <br /> such as Council Member changes, department head changes, etc. <br /> Predicted cost—Staff time, paper, notebooks and office equipment. <br /> 3. Fact Sheets —Before a controversial or complex project or issue, provide the media <br /> with a fact sheet that will help them understand an issue. The PIO will work with the <br /> particular department over the issue. <br /> Action Plan: <br /> ? July 2003 —June 2006—Put together fact sheets on an as needed basis. <br /> Predicted cost—Staff time,paper, and office equipment. <br /> 4. "Get Hip to Hickory" —Since 2001, the PIO has done a weekly radio show on <br /> WHKY (1290 am). The 15-minute radio show has been effective in many ways, <br /> including informing citizens on late breaking news from the city. In addition to the <br /> weekly show, many City departments have been on the show for and hour, and <br /> discussed everything from fire safety to new recreation programs. Continue as long <br /> as it continues to be a win-win for both parties. <br /> Also, do "Hickory This Week" on WNNC/WXRC/WIRC at least once a month. <br /> Action Plan: <br /> ? July 2003 —June 2006—Continue "Get Hip to Hickory," as long as WHKY will <br /> allow this segment. <br /> ? July 2003 —June 2006—Have city guests appear on "First Talk," (this show is 8- <br /> 9 a.m. on weekdays) to discuss city projects and programs in depth. <br /> 13 <br />