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Talking to the Media

You can help us enormously as a media volunteer to increase awareness of the various types of Syncope. Media coverage raises awareness of Syncope and STARS. Following the publication of articles, STARS receives many telephone calls and emails from concerned individuals seeking further information and sufferers seeking support. Media coverage also demonstrates to sufferers and their families that they are not alone and that people like yourself and STARS are working together on their behalf.

STARS - Our Message

It is important, whenever anyone connected with STARS talks to the media, that we all say the same thing. A selection of questions and answers are printed below setting out the information on STARS which will be helpful to you when dealing with the media.

REMEMBER BEFORE TALKING TO THE MEDIA CONTACT STARS

When STARS Contacts You for an Interview

The media will sometimes approach us to speak to someone who has experienced Syncope conditions with their child, or who personally suffers with Syncope, for an interview or to obtain a quote. We use your media form to match you up with their requirements. We try to obtain as much detail as possible from the journalist about the interview. We then give you this information so that you can decide whether or not you would like to be interviewed. There is never any pressure. We then put you in touch with the journalist. We always ask journalists to include details of STARS, and we ask you do the same.

STARS
Telephone- 843-785-4101
Email- info@stars-us.org
Website- www.stars-us.org

Interview Hints

Remember to get your key messages across- the journalist will be interested to know:

  • Who you are and what your role is.
  • What support and information STARS provides.
  • Your experience with Syncope.
  • Facts and Figures on Syncope.
  • Fundraising events.
  • Do not try to be an expert. Just share your own personal experience and stress that everybody’s experience is different. Please try to avoid commenting on medical procedures in general.
  • Never name a doctor or hospital. Always refer to ‘my doctor’ or ‘my local hospital’
  • Understand any question before answering it.
  • If you do not feel right or comfortable talking about their angle/subject, refer them back to us.
  • Ask them to include telephone and website details.

What To Do If The Media Approaches You

Sometimes the media may approach you directly. It is helpful if you can find out more information. Contact STARS who can help you make the most of this opportunity and advise you of an appropriate response.

Try to find out:

  • What paper, radio or TV station they are from.
  • Their name.
  • What section of the paper they write for. I.e. news, health, etc.
  • When their deadline is.
  • When the article is likely to appear.
  • What the article is about.
  • Do not feel pressured by them.
  • Tell them you will pass their details to STARS and when, if appropriate, you will call them back.

You Can Approach the Media Too

You do not have to always wait for the media to come to you. You could go to your local press whenever you have things to say or promote. Remember we can help you and advise you on the best way to contact them.  You could:

  • Call them or write to them to introduce yourself. Let them know you are available as a volunteer connected with STARS.
  • Send them a press release/information sheet on what you are doing, meeting, fundraising events, etc. (For advice or tips on writing press releases speak to the STARS office). NEVER SEND A PRESS RELEASE WITH OUT APPROVAL FROM STARS.
  • Write a letter to appear on the ‘letters’ page.
  • Invite the media to events, encourage a photographer to come along and take pictures.

Some Golden Rules

  • Advise us in advance. We will then be prepared for any telephone calls we may receive in connection with the article.
  • Communicate with STARS. Whenever you are in contact with the media please let us know.
  • Complete the media form. We cannot arrange any media work for you unless we have this.

Thing to Remember When Interviewed

  • Only talk about your own experience.
  • Credit yourself as a volunteer.
  • Remember the press needs you as much as we need them. Never feel pressured into talking about anything you are uncomfortable with.
  • Try not to be disappointed if the interview is dropped or is shorter than you thought. This does happen.
  • Send published copies to STARS for our records. These may be laminated and displayed at STARS conferences or used as examples for others.

STARS- The Organization

What is STARS?

STARS is a national non-profit organization, committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and their families coping with Syncope conditions. The main focus is educating and supporting sufferers, their families, the medical community and general public by offering a support system where they can obtain knowledge and understanding of these conditions.

STARS was founded 15 years ago in England by Trudie Lobban, after her daughter, Francesca, was diagnosed with Reflex Anoxic Seizures, a form of Syncope. Trudie was dismayed to find there was no support or information regarding her daughter’s condition. Her pediatric neurologist suggested she start a support group for others who were experiencing the same frustrations. In her quest to support and educate others on Syncope, STARS was created.  Because of the tremendous growth in demand for support and information from sufferers in the United States, STARS-US was established.

What support and information services are provided by STARS?

  • Information and reports on the various types of Syncope conditions.
  • Linking with similarly affected individuals and families.
  • Educational literature.
  • Newsletter, regional, national and international meetings.
  • Toll free helpline.
  • Syncope message board (monitored) for youth and adults.

Who does STARS help?

STARS acts as an information and support group for sufferers, their families/caregivers as well as providing information for the medical profession.

Why does STARS exist?

  • To act as an information and support group.
  • To bring about public and professional awareness.
  • To gather more information.

What area does STARS cover?

STARS is a national non- profit with its head office located in South Carolina. STARS also has an office in the United Kingdom which services sufferers, family members in Europe, Asia and Australia.

STARS mission statement

"Working together with individuals, families and medical professionals to offer support and information on Syncope conditions.