We live in a world of instant communication from countless sources. Messages abound all around us. Communication today is very different than it was even a couple of years ago.

DPAs or their media relations assistants can have a great impact on what is said about the Church in their local media through strategic relations and timely placement of story ideas and other information of community interest.

Media representatives have a challenging job. They need to tell both sides of a story; be accurate and fair; provide relevant information to their readers, viewers, and listeners; and work under constant deadlines.

Opportunities are created through the media to provide information to the community about the Church and its doctrine. Creating and maintaining a relationship of trust with the media can result in positive news about the Church. These relationships can also be beneficial when we must provide accurate information about the Church when the news may not be as positive.

Work in harmony with your priesthood adviser. Make sure the local media know who you are and how to contact you. A designated spokesperson should be selected by the priesthood adviser.

While we cannot tell the media what to print or broadcast, we can always provide them with accurate, timely, and trustworthy information.

Today, millions of people communicate with blogs (Web logs on issues of interest or concern). Blogs have instant, widespread, international reach. While it is helpful to keep current with many blogs of interest to the Church, DPAs are reminded not to create or post any blogs that officially represent the Church.