Event title: Introduction to the Media
Date: Thursday 22nd March 2012
Start Time: 12.30pm to 05.00pm
Location: Exeter University
Organised by: Science Media Centre
Weblink: http://www.imarest.org/Community/BranchesDivisions/EuropeanDivision/DevonCornwallJointBranch.aspx
We would like to invite you to our Introduction to the News Media event on Thursday 22nd March at the Veysey Building, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter from 12.30pm to 5pm with drinks afterwards.
This event is specifically geared towards engineers and scientists with little or no media experience, particularly those whose subject areas are controversial and of interest to the media, and tend to receive a lot of coverage. If you wish to attend then please send your name, job title, institutional e-mail address and phone number(s) to introduction@sciencemediacentre.org. If you have any colleagues who might be interested in this event, please feel free to pass this to them as well.
Science has never been as prominent in the news as it is today and it is paramount that the issues be communicated correctly. We have some excellent science journalists in the UK, but the news stories will never be covered as accurately as we want them to be without the direct involvement of the experts themselves.
What is this event?
A beginner’s guide to the media, giving an insight into the way the news media works. You will get a tour of some of the key issues, hearing from journalists, press officers and other scientists about:
- the deadlines that journalists work to
- the role of the editor
- how journalists find stories
- top tips for dealing with the media
- the role of the press officer
- the importance of engaging with the media
It isn’t:
Traditional media training. This session will not prepare you for a confrontation with Paxman or Humphries, and it is not skills-based media training; but it will give a flavour of the media to help you understand its demands and make it easier for you to work with journalists.
What scientists who have previously attended this event say:
“It gave me a good insight into why the media view is so different- and makes me listen to the views expressed now in a different light.”
“Have already had some contacts with the media, but was very nice to hear things from their point of view. Must be said, have not appreciated fully the time pressures they work under.”
“I found it one of the most rewarding uses of an afternoon that I can remember.”
“I found the event very interesting and useful. I feel more comfortable with the idea of talking to journalists now.”
“I thought it was great and gave me at least 5 major take home points which I will use in the future.”
“Really enjoyed the meeting and found it very informative.”
“We have needed an event like this for a long time.”
Is it for you?
This is only for scientists who have not had much/any media experience before – we are very limited on space so please don’t come along if you are already media trained or have lots of experience of dealing with journalists. It’s also especially good for scientists working in areas that are controversial and receive a lot of media coverage.
It will be very similar to previous SMC Introduction to the Media days – so please don’t register if you have been to the event before.
The event will be divided up into two sessions with a tea break, and we’ll finish off over a glass of wine and the opportunity to network informally with your peers. I’ll get back to you with more information closer to the time.
The event is completely free of charge. However, owing to the size of the lecture theatre, numbers will be limited so we are keen to give these limited places to those of you who will benefit most from this event.
Finally – please do not request a place unless you are absolutely sure you can attend this session and it is definitely in your diary. Places are limited and the demand for places is usually higher than we can accommodate.
Thanks and regards,
Joe
Dr Joseph Milton
Senior Press Officer for Mental Health
Science Media Centre
215 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
020 7611 8344
joseph@sciencemediacentre.org www.sciencemediacentre.org