In planning for the next step in moving Money Island forward, I met with members of state legislature and local government. We have a plan to work together. The top legal strategist in the group suggested that I crate a media campaign in parallel to the legal efforts. That sounds great, but I have never created a media campaign before. So, naturally, I went to AI tools to get some initial input. I posed the same query to ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.
It is interesting that each of three models takes a slightly different approach. For today, I am content to just read the suggestions and think about it.
Query:
Our Money Island legal strategy adviser said that I should create a media blitz in advance of our motion to Superior Court along with local and state legislature’s endorsement to end the years of litigation at Money Island and allow us to work together with local government to address new environmental and economic challenges. I have not created a media blitz before so I need a step by step plan to do this.
Chat GPT:
Media-blitz plan you can run now — step-by-step (with legal guardrails, templates & sources)
Nice — this is exactly the kind of coordinated, tightly-cleared outreach that can help reframe a long dispute into a cooperative community/legislative solution. Below is a practical, executable plan you can start using today (templates included). I’ve flagged the legal/ethical hard lines up front and added sources and legal citations (with publication/access dates) at the end as you requested.
Quick executive summary
Goal: build a factual, community-focused media wave in advance of your Superior Court motion that (1) explains the shared goals (end years of litigation; collaborate with local government on environmental & economic recovery), (2) wins non-partisan letters/resolutions of support from local & state officials, and (3) protects the case from claims of prejudicial pre-trial publicity. Follow the timeline below, get legal clearance on every external statement, and focus headlines on community benefit and collaboration rather than litigation details.
Must-read legal / ethical red lines (do these first)
1. Avoid extrajudicial statements that have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing the proceeding. Model Rule 3.6 (Trial Publicity) restricts public comments by lawyers that could prejudice adjudication. American Bar Association (accessed Sep 17, 2025).
2. New Jersey has enforced limits and warned against prejudicial extrajudicial speech; treat public statements cautiously and limit them to facts, community impact, and cooperative plans. See NJ Judiciary guidance on extrajudicial statements (example guidance and past committee notices). Feb 17, 2017. NJ Courts
Action: before any release, get final sign-off from your litigation counsel (or an independent ethics partner). Use a 2-person legal clearance (litigation lead + ethics reviewer) and log approvals.
Phase timeline (high-level)
• T-8 to T-6 weeks (Prep & legal clearance) — build materials, list, and outreach plan.
• T-6 to T-3 weeks (Legislative & stakeholder outreach) — request endorsements, meetings, letters of support/resolutions.
• T-4 to T-1 weeks (Media outreach & earned media pitches) — distribute press release, pitch op-eds, schedule interviews & site visits.
• T-7 days to Day-0 (Event + last-mile distribution) — press conference / site tour for legislators + community leaders the week before filing.
• Day +1 to +30 (Follow-up & measurement) — amplify coverage, respond to questions, publish legislative letters/resolutions, track metrics.
(You can compress these; I lay it out so owners and deadlines are crystal clear.)
Phase 1 — Prep & Legal Clearance (T-8 to T-6 weeks)
Tasks & deliverables:
• Assemble a small team: Communications lead (you or PR hire), Litigation counsel, Local government liaison, Community outreach lead, Media monitor. Assign a single spokesperson (ideally a neutral community/operations leader — not litigation counsel).
• Create the press kit (deliverable):
○ Short fact sheet (100–150 words) about Money Island’s community & economy (jobs, fisheries, aquaculture).
○ 1-page Q&A (approved by counsel) with only factual items (no argument about guilt/ liability).
○ High-res photos of site, map, spokesperson headshot, boilerplate.
• Legal checklist (mandatory): Every sentence in public docs must be reviewed against RPC 3.6 criteria (no argumentation that “blames” or offers evidence intended to influence judge/jury). Keep quotes to community impact and cooperation goals. American Bar Association+1
• Draft primary content:
○ Press release (see template below).
○ Two op-ed/letter-to-editor drafts (one for local paper, one for regional/state paper) focused on recovery & partnership. Use neutral tone and emphasize solutions. (Templates below.)
Owners & timing: complete these in the first 1–2 weeks; legal sign-off must be logged.
Phase 2 — Legislative & Local Government Endorsements (start T-6 weeks; concurrent)
Goal: secure letters, resolutions, or proclamations of support from township/county and one or more state legislators (and a letter of support from a relevant state agency if possible).
Steps:
1. Target list: Mayor/Clerk of Downe Twp, Cumberland County Freeholder/Commissioners, State Assembly member(s) and Senator(s) for your legislative district, relevant state agencies (NJDEP, NJ Department of Agriculture if aquaculture is involved), and the Governor’s office (for proclamations/letters of support). (How to contact: NJ Legislature contact page / Governor proclamation page.) New Jersey Legislature+1
2. Request package: send a short packet (1) cover email/letter asking for a “Letter/Resolution of Support” clarifying purpose (community recovery & partnership), (2) one-page fact sheet, (3) draft resolution they can adapt — make it easy for staff to say yes.
3. Offer site visit: invite legislative staff to a curated site tour (controlled Q&A; media discouraged until you announce).
4. Follow-ups: phone call to scheduler within 72 hours; routine tracker in spreadsheet.
Tactics: ask for:
• County resolution (easier politically), then municipal resolution, then state legislator letters. For publicity value, aim to get at least 2 elected officials (one county, one state) to sign before the press release.
Helpful reference: NJ’s Governor’s office issues proclamations/letters of support (policy page). Use that process if you want a formal gubernatorial letter—these are honorary and may take time. NJ.gov
Phase 3 — Earned Media & Outreach (T-4 to T-1 weeks)
Who to pitch (prioritize):
• Local daily/weekly newspapers and their editorial boards (Cumberland County / South Jersey outlets). Example local/region coverage history: Cumberland County News & local public radio / WHYY. Cumberland County NJ+1
• NJ state environmental and business reporters (NJ Spotlight, NJ.com, Press of Atlantic City if relevant).
• Trade outlets (aquaculture, fisheries, working waterfront/maritime) for technical credibility.
• Local TV news (evening news producers), local radio talkers/community shows.
Pitch structure (email):
• Subject: “Money Island community, local officials back new plan to end litigation & rebuild”
• 2-line hook, 1-sentence summary, one human quote, link to press kit, offer for spokesperson interview and site tour.
Press release distribution:
• Send to local beat reporters first, then to state outlets and trade press. Use your PR wire if you want immediate state/national pickup (PR Newswire/EReleases — templates and distribution services exist). PR Newswire+1
Op-eds: pitch them to the editorial pages of the local paper and a targeted state outlet. Keep under 800 words, third-person / community perspective, avoid litigation details.
Phase 4 — Owned & Paid Channels (T-4 to Day-0)
Owned channels (immediately):
• Website landing page for the initiative (copy: mission, community facts, timeline, download press kit).
• Email to your client list, stakeholders, and local businesses (short, factual).
• Social (LinkedIn, Facebook, X): short human stories, community photos, link to press kit.
Paid (optional, if you want to amplify):
• Local sponsored posts on Facebook/X targeted to Cumberland County demographics and small business/fishing communities.
• Promoted editorial placements in local paper.
Messaging guardrail: keep paid messaging identical to earned messaging and vetted by counsel.
Phase 5 — Press event & Site Tour (T-7 to T-0)
Two events (recommended):
1. Controlled site tour for legislators & community leaders (invite only, no press). Use this to secure signatures of support / letters.
2. Press conference (1 week before filing): short remarks (3–4 speakers: community leader, local official, operational lead, and your neutral spokesperson), 10–15 minutes max, then limited Q&A (no litigation detail). Provide press kits and copies of legislative letters/resolutions.
Run-sheet (press event):
• 0:00 — Welcome & safety notes.
• 0:02 — Community leader (why collaboration matters).
• 0:05 — Local elected official (endorsement/commitment).
• 0:08 — Operations/environmental plan outline.
• 0:12 — Spokesperson closes with “we will pursue legal steps and continue to work with officials” (avoid argumentation).
• 0:15 — Short Q&A (mediated; counsel present).
Phase 6 — Day of filing & Post-motion (Day +1 to +30)
• Day of filing: issue a short “We filed a motion in Superior Court to seek resolution; we will continue to work with Township and County to restore economic & environmental health” release — again, factual only and legal-cleared.
• Amplify endorsements: publish and promote the letters/resolutions you collected (with signers’ permission).
• Monitor & respond: media monitor for coverage and any potentially prejudicial inquiries (log and forward to counsel).
• Metrics: clips, social impressions, number of legislative endorsements, site-visit attendance, and sentiment.
Risk mitigation & “what to avoid”
• Never release evidence claims, admissions of wrongdoing, or commentary about what a judge should do. (RPC 3.6/A.B.A. guidance). American Bar Association+1
• Avoid inflammatory language (e.g., “corrupt,” “liars,” “fraud”) in press materials.
• Don’t stage dramatic “discoveries” for cameras (that could be characterized as trying to influence the court).
• Log all outreach — who you contacted and any responses (helps if opponent alleges improper influence).
Ready-to-use templates (short)
Press release — short template (one page)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date, City, NJ]
Headline: Local leaders and Money Island partners announce plan to end prolonged legal dispute and rebuild working waterfront
Dateline: [Newport / Downe Township, NJ — Date]
Lead: Local community leaders, county officials and operators at Money Island announced today a joint initiative to resolve long-running disputes and work cooperatively with state and local government to address environmental restoration and economic recovery for the region.
Quote (community leader): “We want to see our waterways healthy and our businesses working together again,” said [Name], [role]. “This plan prioritizes jobs, shoreline stabilization and responsible aquaculture.”
Background: (2–3 short bullets about Money Island’s economic role, jobs, and restoration plan)
Call to action: For more information, visit [landing page URL] or contact [PR contact: name, phone, email].
Boilerplate: [One short paragraph about your organization]
Media contact: [Name, phone, email]
(Write in journalistic, neutral tone — limit to facts. See how-to guidance: Paperstreet (Feb 3, 2025) for law-firm press release best practices.) PaperStreet
Sample email to a state legislator (short)
Subject: Request for letter of support — Money Island recovery partnership
Body:
Dear [Legislator/Staff Name],
I’m [name/role]. We are launching a collaborative plan to end years of litigation at Money Island and partner with Township & County on environmental and economic revitalization. Attached is a one-page fact sheet and a draft letter of support your office may adapt. We’d welcome a brief site visit at your convenience. Thank you for considering this local recovery effort. — [Your name / contact info]
Helpful: include a draft resolution/letter they can copy-paste for staff speed. NJ Legislative contact info / process here. New Jersey Legislature
Media list & tracking (practical)
Columns: Outlet | Reporter | Email | Phone | Last contact | Response | Clip URL
Start with: local daily/weekly (Cumberland County), regional press (South Jersey, NJ Spotlight), state environment reporters, local TV producers, trade press (aquaculture). Local context/background reporting examples: Cumberland County news (Sep 14, 2023) and WHYY reporting on regional buyouts & bayshore communities. Cumberland County NJ+1
Budget checklist (ballpark items)
• Professional PR (if outsourced): $3–8k for a focused 4–6 week campaign.
• Press-wire distribution (optional): $200–$1,200 depending on reach. PR Newswire
• Local sponsored social posts: $250–$1,000.
• Event (site) logistics: $500–$2,000.
Measurement / KPIs
• Media clips (count & tone) — target: 3–5 local earned pieces before filing.
• Legislative endorsements achieved (count). — target: at least 1 county + 1 state letter.
• Website/press-kit downloads and email opens.
• Social engagement within targeted geography.
Quick checklist you can use in the next 48 hours
1. Create the one-page fact sheet & Q&A and run legal clearance.
2. Build the legislative packet (cover email + draft resolution + fact sheet). Send to County & Township clerks and the state legislative scheduler. NJ.gov+1
3. Draft press release and one op-ed; circulate for counsel approval.
4. Compile reporter contact list and schedule 1:1 outreach calls.
5. Set a date for the site tour and press event (choose weather backup).
Sources & legal citations (key ones I relied on)
1. Model Rule 3.6 — Trial Publicity, American Bar Association. (Rule text / comment; accessed Sep 17, 2025). American Bar Association
2. New Jersey Judiciary — guidance / committee notices on extrajudicial statements (example notice re: extrajudicial statements), Feb 17, 2017 (NJ Courts). NJ Courts
3. How to write a law-firm press release, Paperstreet, Feb 3, 2025 (practical template & best practices). PaperStreet
4. Governor of New Jersey — Proclamation request / letters of support (process & policy) (site page; accessed Sep 17, 2025). NJ.gov
5. Contacting your State Legislator / NJ Legislature contact page (practical contact routes; accessed Sep 17, 2025). New Jersey Legislature
(Other local background I consulted: Cumberland County News on Money Island impacts, Sep 14, 2023; WHYY coverage on buyouts, Jul 8, 2014.) Cumberland County NJ+1
If you want, I’ll:
• Draft the press release and two op-eds and give you two legally-safe wording options (community-first vs. operational-first).
• Build the tracker spreadsheet (reporter list + legislative outreach template + approval log) and export it to CSV for you right away.
Which of those two would you like me to produce now?
Copilot:
That’s a powerful initiative, Tony. A well-executed media blitz can help shape public perception, build support, and influence decision-makers. Here’s a step-by-step plan to guide you through creating an effective media blitz for your Money Island campaign:
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
• Primary goal: Gain public and legislative support for ending litigation and collaborating on environmental and economic challenges.
• Secondary goals: Raise awareness, build credibility, and attract media coverage.
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audiences
• Local residents and stakeholders in Cumberland County
• State legislators and government officials
• Environmental and economic development organizations
• Journalists and media outlets
• General public (especially those interested in coastal resilience and rural development)
Step 3: Craft Your Core Message
Your message should be:
• Clear: “It’s time to end the litigation and start rebuilding Money Island together.”
• Emotional: Highlight the human and environmental cost of delay.
• Actionable: Encourage public support and legislative endorsement.
Include key themes like:
• Environmental stewardship
• Economic revitalization
• Community collaboration
• Legal resolution and progress
Step 4: Prepare Your Media Materials
Create a media kit that includes:
• Press release announcing the motion and your call for legislative support
• Fact sheet about Money Island’s history, challenges, and vision
• Quotes from local leaders, experts, and community members
• Photos and videos showing the impact and potential of the area
• Social media graphics and sample posts
Step 5: Build Your Media List
Include:
• Local newspapers (e.g., The Daily Journal, NJ.com)
• Regional TV and radio stations
• Environmental and legal bloggers
• Statehouse reporters
• Influential social media voices in NJ politics and environmental issues
Step 6: Launch the Blitz
Coordinate a multi-channel release:
• Press release distribution via email and online platforms
• Social media campaign using hashtags, visuals, and scheduled posts
• Email newsletter to supporters and stakeholders
• Media outreach: personally contact key journalists and offer interviews
• Public event or webinar to explain the motion and rally support
Step 7: Engage and Amplify
• Respond to media inquiries promptly
• Share and repost media coverage
• Encourage allies to share your message
• Monitor feedback and adjust messaging if needed
Step 8: Follow Up
• Send thank-you notes to journalists and supporters
• Track media coverage and public response
• Prepare for next steps (e.g., legislative hearings, court dates)
Would you like help drafting the press release, designing social media graphics, or identifying specific media contacts in New Jersey?
Gemini:
A media blitz for a legal case requires a careful, strategic, and ethical approach. It’s not just about getting the most attention, but about shaping the narrative to support your legal and public relations goals. Given your specific objective—to build support for a motion to end litigation and foster a collaborative approach—here is a step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Develop Your Core Message and Narrative
This is the most critical step. You need a compelling story that is simple, clear, and emotionally resonant.
• Identify the “Big Idea”: The core of your message is that endless litigation is a problem, and your motion presents a new, collaborative solution to address pressing environmental and economic challenges. Frame this not as a victory over opponents, but as a path to a better future for everyone.
• Craft the Narrative:
○ The Problem: Years of litigation have been costly, divisive, and have prevented progress on important issues facing Money Island. Use tangible examples if possible (e.g., “The legal battles have stalled critical projects to address rising sea levels and economic decline”).
○ The Solution: Your motion to Superior Court, along with endorsements from local and state legislatures, offers a new way forward. Position this as a chance for all parties to put aside differences and work together.
○ The Vision: Paint a picture of what a post-litigation Money Island looks like—a community working together to solve environmental and economic problems. Use positive, forward-looking language.
• Create Key Messaging Points: Distill your narrative into 3-5 easy-to-remember talking points. Everyone involved in the blitz should be able to articulate these points clearly and consistently. For example:
○ “It’s time to end the litigation and start cooperating.”
○ “This motion is about creating a collaborative future for Money Island.”
○ “We can’t solve new challenges with old legal battles.”
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience and Media
Knowing who you need to reach will determine which channels you use.
• Primary Audience:
○ Local Community: Residents, business owners, and community leaders on Money Island.
○ Local and State Legislators: The very people whose endorsement you seek.
○ The Superior Court Judge: While you can’t directly communicate with the judge through the media, the public sentiment and legislative support you generate can create a favorable context for your motion.
• Key Media Outlets:
○ Local News: Local newspapers, TV news stations, and radio. They are most likely to cover community-centric stories and have established relationships with local residents.
○ State-Level News: Larger newspapers and political publications that cover state legislature.
○ Niche Publications: Environmental or economic development-focused publications that might be interested in the unique challenges and solutions you’re proposing.
○ Social Media: Local community Facebook groups, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for direct communication and message amplification.
Step 3: Prepare Your Materials
You’ll need a suite of professional, consistent materials to distribute.
• Press Release: This is the cornerstone of your blitz. It should clearly announce your motion, explain your legal strategy, and outline the key benefits of your proposal. Use a catchy headline, a strong lead paragraph that covers the who, what, when, where, and why, and include quotes from key figures (e.g., your legal team, a local business owner, an environmental advocate).
• Media Kit: Compile a digital folder with a high-resolution version of your press release, photos (of Money Island, key people, and community gatherings), a fact sheet with a timeline of the litigation and key events, and a brief biography of your legal and strategy team.
• Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor: A powerful tool to put your message directly in front of the public. Write a compelling piece that explains your vision in a more personal and persuasive way than a press release.
• Social Media Content: Draft posts for all relevant platforms. Create short, shareable graphics with your key message points. Consider creating a short video explaining the situation and your proposed solution. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Step 4: Execute the Blitz (The 7-Day Plan)
Timing is everything. Your blitz should be coordinated to maximize impact.
• Day 1: The Launch.
○ Morning: Send your press release to your targeted media list. Personalize the emails to key reporters.
○ Afternoon: Post the press release and a summary on your website and social media channels.
○ Throughout the day: Start reaching out to journalists and pitch your story. Follow up on your initial email. Be available for interviews.
• Day 2-3: Follow-Up and Amplification.
○ Follow up with journalists who showed interest. Offer additional information or access to key people.
○ Actively monitor social media and engage with comments. Respond to questions and correct misinformation.
○ Publish your Op-Ed in a target publication.
• Day 4-6: Expand the Message.
○ Secure interviews on local radio or TV.
○ Share articles and news segments on your social media channels.
○ Legislative Outreach: Meet with local and state legislators. Use the media attention and public support to make a compelling case for their endorsement. Provide them with a concise briefing packet.
• Day 7: Sustain the Momentum.
○ Release a new piece of content, such as a video or a testimonial from a community leader, to keep the conversation going.
○ Share any legislative endorsements you’ve secured.
○ Continue to monitor the media and public sentiment.
Ethical Considerations and Best Practices
• Be Truthful: All information you provide must be accurate and verifiable.
• Respect Boundaries: Never discuss confidential or sensitive details of the case.
• Don’t Bad-Mouth Opponents: Maintain a positive, collaborative tone. Your goal is to unite people, not create more animosity.
• Be Strategic with Access: Appoint a single spokesperson to ensure your message is consistent.
• Measure Success: Track media mentions, social media engagement, and the number of legislative endorsements you secure. This will help you understand the impact of your blitz and inform future efforts.
I have not relied on AI tools for project management before, so this will be a test and learning experience.