Re: The media's (and the public's) misconception of FIRST
 

I'll have to disagree with your generalization. Fox 5 has proven to the one of the most well-informed media outlets regarding what FIRST is all about. Watch this and you'll be glad to know that Brett Larson has:
-been to previous regionals
-understands GP
-portrays FIRST in nothing but positive light
-can hold his own in a conversation about the IR technology

(That clip ran on the Friday evening news, with footage of Friday practice day)

Re: The media's (and the public's) misconception of FIRST
 

On the Fox site it says "tech guy" Brett Larsen, at least that station has someone who does technology reports and obviously it shows in his work....really good piece! If only every station could afford "beat" reporters it would help.

Re: The media's (and the public's) misconception of FIRST
 

We just had the local news paper (Sentinel) reporter follow us to all our events including our team meetings sometimes when it is eventful. This way,t hey get the full experience just like us. Of course, this is not possible for most situations but we I guess a suggestion is to develop an on-going relationship with a local newspaper who can get the FIRST experience.

Re: The media's (and the public's) misconception of FIRST
 

yes, best thing you can do to get more accurate coverage to to spend some time with the reporter, field producer, reporter etc, if you can get them to understand and absorb everything then you have a better chance.

It also depends on who you get as well, for some reason in the Toronto/Ontario area we just don't have any technically inclined media people so it is really tough for them to understand this stuff, not any different than if I was sent to cover some high end fashion show in Yorkville.....if I was a reporter I would probably be just as dumb......so everyone should keep that in mind as well, you may understand tech, that reporter may not know anything about it.

m