What is considered “newsworthy” for the general media?
Research breakthroughs or developments, scientific progress or discoveries, programs that affect the community outside Rutgers, and public service initiatives are just a few things that are considered newsworthy. Contact the Media Relations staff member who handles your administrative or academic area (see the Media Contacts Directory) for advice on how to best publicize your news.

How do I publicize a campus event that I am organizing?
Contact the Media Relations staff member who works with your academic or administrative area at least four weeks ahead of your event. The staff member will work with you on determining the best strategy for publicizing your event.

How do I handle calls from the media?
If the call concerns an emergency, public safety, personnel, or other sensitive matter, please consult with the Media Relations office.

If a reporter asks you for expert comment, the decision of whether to do an interview is yours. If you choose to speak with a journalist, please alert this office so that we can look for the story in the media. If you feel the questions are outside your area of expertise, please refer the reporter to the Media Relations office or request that a member of our staff contact the reporter.

Can I get pointers on doing interviews?
Media Relations can provide basic media training prior to interviews with print or broadcast journalists. A media consultant can be present during the interview if you wish, or if we think it is in the best interest of the university. Please notify the Media Relations office when the media will be on campus to conduct interviews or shoot photos or video so that they can be assured parking and appropriate access to facilities.

What kind of news is appropriate for Rutgers Focus?
Rutgers Focus highlights accomplishments of the university community and important programs and issues of interest to faculty or staff. Rutgers Focus is published every other week.

What kind of material is appropriate for Rutgers Magazine?
Rutgers Magazine publishes articles on campus culture and contemporary issues, stories about alumni, student, and faculty achievements, and other items that may be of interest to a wider audience than just faculty and staff. Rutgers Magazine has a circulation of approximately 75,000. It is distributed mainly to alumni and friends of Rutgers.

Will Rutgers Focus or Rutgers Magazine do a story on a book or major journal article I have written?
Rutgers Focus and the magazine consider books, major research, and other faculty accomplishments for articles. You or your publisher can submit books to those publications’ editors. You can also contact the Media Relations staff member who works with your department for guidance.

How should I submit an op-ed to a newspaper?
Media Relations can assist you with editing and placing
an op-ed.

Can I be a Rutgers “news source”?
The media rely on Rutgers faculty and staff experts to provide information and insight on current events, topics, and issues. If you have a particular expertise you would like to share or if you become aware of an issue on which your knowledge might be useful, Media Relations staff can work with you and make your expertise known to the media.

For more information, contact Sandra Lanman, director of Media Relations, at (732) 932-7084, extension 621 or Email