Press & media services
CommunicationsDealing with the press and media can be a minefield. The requirements of academic rigour and a journalist's need for 100 words of comment within the next ten minutes; or the need to condense several years of research into a 35 second radio or TV interview may seem irreconcilable - but it can be done.
We can arrange one or two day media training sessions, using experienced journalists and broadcasters who are able to prepare candidates for the cut and thrust of media practices. We are also able to offer one to one advice and sit in on interviews, particularly with the broadcast media, to look after the best interests the interviewee and of WBS as a whole.
Press releases
When producing a press release we have to take into account a number of factors.
Although a standard release follows a formula - who, what, when, where and why - the
journalist will still need an answer to the questions
so what is new, different, or controversial about that?
Unless it is a very technical piece, it is rare that a journalist will allow their copy to be approved or checked before publication, so a good rule is never say anything to a journalist that you don't want to see in print, hear yourself quoted as saying on the radio or see yourself saying on the TV.
Be mindful that these people have deadlines, sometimes several times a day and when approached for comment, generally, a response is required within the hour.
The Comms team is here to help and advise, there are home and mobile numbers which are available at any time. You are welcome to use them.
t office +44 (0)24 7652 4124mobile +44 (0)7876 217800
home +44 (0)24 7669 4206