Do you work in publishing, television or radio?  Are you an ace photographer or videographer, a wonder with words or a wizard on the web?  Julian Storey, BPA Media Co-ordinator, aims to get together through cyberspace a group of media-savvy Members who are willing to give a little of their time and media skills to help the BPA to promote skydiving’s good news.

Media coverage of skydiving is generally patchy and poor.  And it's often the bad news that hits the headlines.  Yet there's plenty of good news out there - such as the British women's 4-way Formation Skydiving team VMax (pictured below) who are World Champions, who were honoured with the coveted Royal Aero Club Gold Medal presented by HRH The Duke of York.

We're making progress with improving the quality and quantity of media coverage of skydiving, but we need help.  We know that quite a few BPA Members work in the media or have contacts inside the media.  We need help and advice on all aspects of getting more good news about skydiving in newspapers and magazines, on television and radio, and on the web.  Skilled visualisers, editors and sub-editors are among the skills we could use.  Also, what's the best way to pitch a feature article on a skydiver to a glossy mag or a Sunday supplement?

RADIO - TV - MAGS - NEWSPAPERS - WEB

We're also open to ideas from Members who are in the know from the inside about how the media works and what it wants. The idea is not to meet as a Committee but to get a few projects up-and-running through contact by e-mail.   We're not saying it will be an instant success, but we won't know until we try - so can you help?  If so, please offer!

To start with we'll be asking for an outline of your media involvement including ideas on how you personally might contribute.  Then, we'll see what's been put forward and see if we can start one or two projects with ambitious but achievable goals.   There's no financial reward for lending a hand, but you'll get that warm glow that comes from be helping to promote your sport and doing your bit to bring a brighter, better-known future for skydiving.

To offer a hand, please contact the BPA Office on skydive@bpa.org.uk to identify the skills or ideas you can offer.  And thanks if you can help.