The cities of Lansing and East Lansing joined forces Friday for a news conference on revenue sharing, drawing every local TV station and several reporters from the region. With looming budget negotiations, it was a sharp play and something I'd urge other communities to try. Tips for a successful newser: (1) Choose a central location with visuals - Fire Station 6 offered great b-roll and a fitting backdrop. (2) Line up 1 - 2 main speakers with fire/police chiefs, officers in uniform and finance directors family-portrait-style around the lectern to add visual impact and to help answer questions at the end. (3) Break things down into simple terms: Officials Friday compared proposed cuts to 30 less positions or 30 furlough days. If you plan a newser, please leave a post to let us know when and where. In the words of Lansing Mayor Bernero, "we can win this thing!" 

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