MAGC November Webinar | How Outstate Communities Can Get Big Media Attention
Date
11/18/2026
Time
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Venue
Virtual Meeting - Meeting link is provided after registering.
If your government entity is located outside the Twin Cities metro, you know the feeling all too well -- the larger media networks only show up when the story is "big" enough to get their attention. And more often than not, it's not a story you wanted to share.
Join the City of Faribault for a practical look at how the city has intentionally formed relationships to earn coverage from major media outlets on local stories. Police Chief John Sherwin and Communications Manager Brad Phenow will explore how local initiatives -- from new police programs to community-impact campaigns -- were amplified by Twin Cities media, and the behind-the-scenes work the city did to get these stories on air. Whether you have an upcoming project or just want to highlight your everyday work, come learn strategies to build relationships and start attracting big media attention -- the good kind!
You don't have to be in Greater Minnesota to learn something from this session. The strategies Faribault has used to build media relationships and generate coverage can be useful for communicators in communities of all sizes.
Join the City of Faribault for a practical look at how the city has intentionally formed relationships to earn coverage from major media outlets on local stories. Police Chief John Sherwin and Communications Manager Brad Phenow will explore how local initiatives -- from new police programs to community-impact campaigns -- were amplified by Twin Cities media, and the behind-the-scenes work the city did to get these stories on air. Whether you have an upcoming project or just want to highlight your everyday work, come learn strategies to build relationships and start attracting big media attention -- the good kind!
You don't have to be in Greater Minnesota to learn something from this session. The strategies Faribault has used to build media relationships and generate coverage can be useful for communicators in communities of all sizes.
Presenters
John Sherwin
Police Chief, City of Faribault
Chief Sherwin began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Wichita Police Department before relocating to Minnesota in 2001. For over two decades, he served the Rochester Police Department in a range of roles, culminating in command-level leadership and a stint as Interim Chief.
In March 2022, he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Faribault, where he now leads a full-service department of 35 sworn officers serving approximately 25,000 residents.
Chief Sherwin holds a Master of Science in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 257th Session.
Police Chief, City of Faribault
Chief Sherwin began his law enforcement career in 1998 with the Wichita Police Department before relocating to Minnesota in 2001. For over two decades, he served the Rochester Police Department in a range of roles, culminating in command-level leadership and a stint as Interim Chief.
In March 2022, he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Faribault, where he now leads a full-service department of 35 sworn officers serving approximately 25,000 residents.
Chief Sherwin holds a Master of Science in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 257th Session.
Brad Phenow
Communications Manager, City of Faribault
Brad Phenow is the Communications Manager for the City of Faribault, where he oversees the City's internal and external communications strategy and content. Brad is passionate about humanizing government and getting community members involved in local decision-making.
Prior to joining local government, he worked as a reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio before joining the Faribault Daily News as the regional editor.
Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Communications Manager, City of Faribault
Brad Phenow is the Communications Manager for the City of Faribault, where he oversees the City's internal and external communications strategy and content. Brad is passionate about humanizing government and getting community members involved in local decision-making.
Prior to joining local government, he worked as a reporter for Wisconsin Public Radio before joining the Faribault Daily News as the regional editor.
Brad holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Pricing
MAGC Members: Free (login required)
Non-Members: $20
Non-Members: $20