Media Relations & Publicity

Whether you’re a journalist who needs expert comment for a breaking story or a researcher with scientific findings that warrant news coverage, Office of Marketing and Communications can help. Our staff understands how the news business works and can provide a variety of services to meet your needs.

MarCom is the primary media relations office for Cal State San Bernardino. The office is responsible for disseminating news about the university and responding to media inquiries. It is the place to send information and seek assistance in dealing with the news media.

It is vital that MarCom staff be alerted to a potential news story as early as possible. In an emergency, we must act immediately. On other news, time is required to gather information and notify the news media and allow them to find space for the story.

The effective dissemination and management of news require planning, which in turn requires advance notice of newsworthy events. Sensitive information will be kept completely confidential.

We can help with:

• Initiating news coverage
• Responding to media requests for information, story ideas and faculty experts
• Producing and distributing news about research activities, people and programs
• Producing and distributing news and publicity photos
• Arranging interviews and media visits for faculty and staff
• Advising colleges, departments and individuals on media and public relations
• Providing media training to prepare faculty and staff to deal more effectively with the media
• Assisting in the preparation of publications
• Calling and coordinating news conferences, when appropriate
• Reporting CSUSB News

Not all information is news. Each potential story will be evaluated by our staff to determine the interest among the media and other constituents.

How to get started?

Use our centralized Request Services form. Once writers have identified a story, our editor team will determine the best methods to disseminate the news. This may include:

• A news release (print or broadcast)
• Accompanying photographs, if warranted
• Tip sheets to reporters and editors nationwide
• Personal contact with reporters and editors
• Accompanying faculty or staff to professional meetings or interviews
• A news conference
• A faculty – or staff-written opinion piece