How to get Speedway more coverage on the Media

[Knowle]

Form an all female speedway team and base it at Leicester or revive Wembley.

[IainB]

Getting more media coverage for Speedway requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on building relationships, creating compelling content, and leveraging various media platforms. Here's a breakdown of strategies:

1. Cultivate Media Relationships:

 * Identify Key Journalists: Research and identify journalists, reporters, and broadcasters who cover motorsports, local news, and sports. Look for those who have previously shown interest in niche sports or community events.

 * Personalized Outreach: Don't send generic press releases. Tailor your pitches to each journalist, highlighting why your Speedway story would be relevant and interesting to their audience.

 * Provide Exclusive Access: Offer journalists unique behind-the-scenes access, interviews with key riders, team owners, or track management. Exclusive content is highly valued.

 * Be a Reliable Source: Provide accurate information, meet deadlines, and be responsive to media inquiries. Build a reputation as a trustworthy and helpful contact.

 * Attend Events: Be present at races and other motorsport events. This provides opportunities for face-to-face networking with media representatives.

2. Create Compelling Content:

 * Strong Story Angles:

   * Human Interest: Focus on the personal stories of riders, their challenges, triumphs, and unique journeys. This resonates with a broader audience beyond just hardcore fans.

   * Local Connection: Highlight local riders, teams, or the impact of Speedway on the local community. Local news outlets are always looking for local angles.

   * Underdog Stories: Everyone loves an underdog. Promote stories of riders overcoming adversity or achieving unexpected success.

   * Innovation/Technology: If there are new technologies, safety advancements, or unique aspects to Speedway, emphasize them.

   * Historical Significance: If your track or an event has a rich history, tell those stories.

 * High-Quality Visuals:

   * Professional Photos and Videos: Provide media outlets with stunning, high-resolution images and dynamic video clips of races, overtakes, and behind-the-scenes action.

   * Infographics and Stats: Create easy-to-understand infographics about Speedway rules, rider statistics, or historical data.

 * Regular Press Releases: Issue well-written press releases for significant announcements like:

   * Race results and championships

   * New sponsorships

   * Major events or series

   * Community initiatives

   * New rider signings or retirements

 * Behind-the-Scenes Content: Show the grit, dedication, and passion that goes into Speedway. This could be training, bike mechanics, team camaraderie, etc.

3. Leverage Diverse Media Platforms:

 * Traditional Media:

   * Local Newspapers and Radio: These are often the easiest to get coverage from, especially with strong local angles.

   * Regional and National Sports Publications: Target publications specifically focused on motorsports or broader sports news.

   * Television (Local and National): Pitch exciting visual stories for news segments or sports features. Consider live crosses from events.

 * Digital Media:

   * Social Media:

     * Active Presence: Maintain strong, active profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and YouTube.

     * Engaging Content: Post race schedules, results, highlight reels, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive content (polls, Q&As).

     * Live Streams: Live stream races, practice sessions, or interviews to engage fans directly.

     * Influencer Marketing: Partner with motorsports influencers or popular content creators to reach new audiences.

   * Website/Blog: Maintain a professional website with news, schedules, rider profiles, and media resources. Consider a blog with feature articles about the sport.

   * Podcasts: Pitch Speedway stories to existing sports podcasts or consider starting your own.

   * Online Forums and Communities: Engage with fans and share news in relevant online communities.

 * Specialized Motorsport Media: Target dedicated motorsport websites, magazines, and broadcasters (like British Speedway Network or Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, which covers Speedway GP). They are always looking for relevant content.

4. Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorships:

 * Sponsor Activation: Work with sponsors to integrate media coverage into their marketing campaigns. This can include sponsor logos in media materials, joint press conferences, or sponsor-led content.

 * Cross-Promotion: Partner with other local businesses, sports organizations, or community groups to cross-promote events and share audiences.

5. Professionalism and Consistency:

 * Be Prepared: Have a media kit ready with key facts, statistics, high-res images, and contact information.

 * Professional Conduct: Ensure all interactions with the media are professional, courteous, and respectful.

 * Consistency: Media coverage is not a one-time effort. Consistently provide newsworthy content and engage with the media to maintain momentum.

By implementing these strategies, Speedway can significantly increase its visibility and reach a wider audience through effective media coverage.

 

[IanBrannan]

That is defo an AI answer.. 😂

[IainB]

8 hours ago, IanBrannan said:

That is defo an AI answer.. 😂

It most certainly is... I just typed the exact words from the OP into Google AI, interestingly it didn't mention female Speedway or Wembley.

I'm not suggesting AI is right, because in my experience it most certainly always isn't... but it's very good for idea generation.

[midlandred]

I asked “how to boost u k speedway attendances”….

 

To boost UK speedway attendances, several key areas need attention: improving the quality of racing, enhancing the fan experience, and increasing promotion and media coverage. Specifically, this includes focusing on track quality, attracting top riders, streamlining league structures, and implementing a more effective marketing strategy. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Improve the Product:

Track Quality:

A well-prepared track with multiple racing lines is crucial for exciting racing and attracting fans. 

Rider Quality:

Attracting top-tier riders, potentially by restricting Premiership riders from doubling up in the Championship, can improve the overall quality of racing. 

League Structure:

Consider adjustments to league structures and team compositions to ensure competitive racing and minimize uncertainty for teams. 

Event Presentation:

Ensure events are well-organized, with efficient operation and a positive atmosphere for fans. 

2. Enhance the Fan Experience:

Stadium Atmosphere:

Create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at the stadium, including concessions, entertainment, and comfortable seating. 

Family-Friendly Options:

Offer activities and promotions that appeal to families and younger audiences to broaden the fan base. 

Accessibility:

Ensure easy access to the stadium and affordable ticket prices to make speedway accessible to a wider audience. 

3. Increase Promotion and Media Coverage:

National Advertising Campaign:

Implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to raise awareness of speedway and attract new fans. 

Digital Presence:

Utilize social media and online platforms to engage with fans, share highlights, and promote upcoming events. 

Media Partnerships:

Seek opportunities to partner with media outlets, including television and streaming services, to increase visibility and reach a wider audience. 

4. Address Financial Sustainability:

Sponsorship:

Seek out commercial sponsorship deals to provide vital revenue for improving facilities and promoting the sport. 

Cost-Effectiveness:

Explore ways to operate more efficiently and manage costs effectively to ensure the long-term sustainability of teams and leagues. 

By addressing these areas, UK speedway can work towards reversing the decline in attendances and securing a more sustainable future for the sport. 

[IainB]

It's almost as if Google AI has been reading this forum 😂

[gjcone44]

could of made the Vinnie locked in toilet more interesting not that funny what was posted. You can lie, BBC do it all the time.😁

[Gambo]

17 minutes ago, gjcone44 said:

could of made the Vinnie locked in toilet more interesting not that funny what was posted. You can lie, BBC do it all the time.😁

Vin da loo!

[gjcone44]

only if they said he had a curry the night before

[IainB]

[speedwaysliders]

With hardly any characters in ANY SPORT these days Speedway needs to go back to basics and NOT FINE anyone who even thinks about causing a problem or raising his voice in an argument.Ian thomas bless him was not everyones cup of tea but did he get people talking about things in an meeting when the racing was boring he got people talking and WE NEED PEOPLE like him to bring an element of friction in a meeting.In the UK these days the riders just swan in and out of the country ,with no element of doing anything other to score whats good for them and get out again and onto the next meeting.WITH FINES making people scared to breath speedway has gone stale,bring back the telephone and make it bigger and better for the riders to talk to the ref WITHOUT the risk of being fined,we know he/she wont change their mind but it was all part of the banter at one time when the racing was rubbish  at least you had that element of banter that kept everyone talking.why cant we just get back to the natural reaction of riders without the risk of being fined?

Edited 3 hours ago by speedwaysliders