Free Community Media Workshop Focuses on Reaching Diverse Audiences

Patch will join KCTS-9, KBCS-FM and the Washington Hispanic Media Association as panelists at a free workshop on working with local news media at the Crossroads Community Center on Wednesday.

The topic of the workshop is to help local nonprofits on reaching diverse populations, which have been on the rise in Bellevue.

With more than a third of Bellevue residents born outside of the U.S., and over 80 languages spoken in Bellevue schools, it has become increasingly complex to connect with the city’s populations, according to a city press release.

The workshop aims to help nonprofits, agencies, community organizations and businesses increase outreach and connections with diverse populations.

The event is organized by the city of Bellevue’s Cultural Diversity program. "Connecting with Diverse Populations through the Media” will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 10 at Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10th St.

Confirmed panelists are: Enrique Cerna, Public Affairs Director, KCTS-9; Teresa Jones, Washington Hispanic Media Association; Venice Buhain, Editor, Bellevue Patch; and Sonya Green, News and Public Affairs Director, KBCS-FM, 91.3.

The workshop will feature short presentations by each panelist, a moderated discussion and a question-and-answer session. Planned topics include: information about a variety existing diverse media resources; how to approach the media and pitch story ideas; and basics of writing strong, appealing press releases and other publicity-related materials.

The event is free, but reservations are strongly suggested. RSVP to Kevin P. Henry at khenry@bellevuewa.gov.