Warren County hosts KACo training on building stronger media relationships
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — County leaders from across Kentucky gathered in Warren County Tuesday for a training focused on strengthening communication between elected officials and the media, with the goal of building greater public trust through transparency and clear messaging.
The event, hosted by the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo), brought together judge/executives, attorneys and local officials for a full day of sessions centered on interview techniques, message crafting and the legal considerations of speaking with the press.
Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman opened the event by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of local government communication.
“Local government is the most important thing people can do because it is what truly affects you on a personal basis,” Gorman said. “You can make their lives easier by sharing things we’re doing rather than having them all day long trying to find it.”
Throughout the training, officials discussed how consistent communication can help reduce confusion, especially during emergencies or major county developments.
KACo leaders said the goal of the program is to help officials better understand how to engage with reporters and share accurate information with the public.
“We are talking about how to engage with local media, build relationships and some interview techniques to effectively tell the story for their county,” said KACo Director of Communications Brenna Angel.
Angel said one of the most common mistakes public officials make is avoiding media interaction altogether.
“Being apprehensive about talking to the media to the point where they don’t talk to the media and viewing it as a barrier,” Angel said. “Really what we’ve seen is reporters are a tool to connect and get information to constituents.”
She added that transparency is key when responding to difficult questions.
“It’s important for elected officials to be accountable and be willing to talk to the media, even when that means there might be something negative,” Angel said.
Other sessions during the day included legal perspectives from KACo Staff Attorney Rich Ornstein, Logan County Attorney Joe Ross and Allen County Attorney Hallye Arterburn, focusing on the legal boundaries and responsibilities of public communication.
Officials from across the region also shared their own perspectives on working with local media and the importance of relationship-building.
Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey said maintaining strong communication with reporters helps ensure accurate information reaches the public.
“It’s so important to build relationships with local media and make sure you’re giving them information so they can tell your community’s story,” Lindsey said. “That relationship really matters.”
KACo officials say trainings like Tuesday’s are expected to continue as more newly elected leaders take office and look for guidance on navigating public communication.
As counties across Kentucky face challenges ranging from severe weather to budget constraints, organizers say the ability to clearly communicate with residents remains a critical part of local leadership.
