Upon joining ICLEI, Members identify a media liaison from their jurisdiction to serve as the
main point of contact for ICLEI Communications Staff, who may also direct local and national
journalists to him or her. The media liaison is noted in the application form as Internal Press &
Media Liaison to ICLEI.

How does a Member select a media liaison?

Typically, ICLEI’s media liaisons work as public information or communication officers within
their local governments. Particularly in smaller municipalities without the capacity for a staff
person dedicated solely to communications, a staff liaison or another staff person involved in the
local government’s climate protection work with experience talking to the media is sometimes
designated as a media liaison. It is always up to the jurisdiction to determine the most
appropriate person for the role, but ICLEI is happy to advise on the selection.

What is the role of the media liaison?

• Serve as the lead contact person in the jurisdiction for ICLEI staff on local, regional and national media opportunities
• Answer questions regarding the local government’s climate protection initiatives from local, regional and national media
• Aid in framing and advancing the discussion of climate change in the local press via media opportunities from ICLEI Communications Team, as appropriate
• Assist local government staff and elected officials in publicizing the Member’s climate protection efforts, in local, regional and national media, as appropriate
• Provide information about the jurisdiction’s successes for the ICLEI website and other communications purposes

What kind of support do media liaisons receive from ICLEI?

• General advice and support on media and public outreach
• Support in publicizing climate protection successes, including sample talking points and customizable press releases
• Aid in framing and advancing the dialogue of climate protection in the local media to better support the Member jurisdiction’s climate work
• Monthly emails with media opportunities and updates on ICLEI events and climate news relevant to local governments
• ICLEI-supported national platforms to publicize successes, such as national press releases, the ICLEI USA website, our e-newsletter, ICLEI Connection, and other ICLEI publications