A news grid or media grid is a strategy used in

public relations Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing and disseminating information from an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) to the public in order to influence their perception. P ...

for the content and timing of communications to a

mass media Mass media refers to a diverse array of media technologies that reach a large audience via mass communication. The technologies through which this communication takes place include a variety of outlets. Broadcast media transmit information ...

audience. The term is mostly associated with political communications, but grids can be used by any organisation.

Government communications

News grids are also used by governments in a similar way. As well as "good" news stories, "bad" news stories may also be released tactically with the aim of minimising unfavourable coverage. In the UK,

Jo Moore This is a list of political scandals in the United Kingdom in chronological order. Scandals implicating political figures or governments of the UK, often reported in the mass media, have long had repercussions for their popularity. Issues in po ...

became notorious for attempting to "bury bad news".BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1588844.stm

Elections

News grids are often used in

election campaign A political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, by which representatives are chosen or referend ...

s. Typically a party or candidate will wish to communicate several policy ideas to the electorate during the campaign, which may last for several weeks or months. The grid therefore separates out the timing of announcements,

press conference A press conference or news conference is a media event in which notable individuals or organizations invite journalists to hear them speak and ask questions. Press conferences are often held by politicians, corporations, non-governmental organ ...

s or photo opportunities so that each policy receives distinct attention and public awareness.

References

{{reflist Public relations Influence of mass media