Media Awareness Seminar

Enhance your organisation’s understanding of the media, the importance of PR, and working effectively with the Communications team. 

Your organisation is full of success stories, but not everyone understands the news value of the work they do. Our Media Awareness Seminar will help participants understand how to promote these success stories to the media and boost your organisation’s reputation.

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Course Overview

This bespoke seminar will be tailored to fit the needs of your organisation. It can be delivered at your premises or at a conference centre, making it perfect for annual conferences, networking events, or as part of an induction programme for new staff.

During this seminar, your team will gain the knowledge and skills to recognise media opportunities, work effectively with the Communications team, and manage media crises. It is a practical and engaging session designed to help staff understand how their work can be turned into news stories and how to handle the media in any situation.

What to expect

This seminar typically lasts around three hours, though we can adjust the timing to meet your specific needs. It is for anyone who wants to learn how to engage with the media, whether they’re looking to enhance their media presence, manage a potential media crisis, or simply understand the news value of their work.

The seminar is interactive and engaging. We include a mix of PowerPoint, flip charts, and audience participation. We use real-life examples and relevant media clips to illustrate key points and encourage discussion. During the session, we also ask for volunteers to participate in practice media interviews, where key messages need to be communicated. These interviews are recorded and reviewed to highlight lessons learned.

Who should attend

This is a bespoke course and can be run in your own premises

  • This seminar is ideal as part of an induction programme for:
    • New councillors in local government
    • New managers
    • New staff who may be approached by the media for comment
    • Any staff who need to be more media savvy when dealing with customers
  • It is also perfect for a talk at a networking event or annual business conference
  • PR Professionals
  • Communication Leads
  • Press Officers
  • New managers and staff who may be approached by the media
  • PR professionals, press officers, and communications leads
  • Managers and staff attending conferences, networking events or annual business conferences
  • Anyone who needs to become more media-savvy, including those who deal directly with customers or the public

You will learn

  • How the media works and how the media landscape has changed
  • Why, when and how to engage with the media
  • How to work effectually with your Communications team
  • Being aware of the journalist in your council meetings, at events and conferences.
  • What make a news story?
  • How to find stories and make them interesting to journalists
  • How to generate news interest in your activities
  • Building relationships with journalists
  • The who, where and when of managing the release of news
  • Write effective press releases
  • Write eye catching headlines
  • To develop successful media strategies
  • Making social media work for your campaigns
  • How to handle journalist enquiries
  • What to say and what not to say when a journalist calls.
  • The hazards of speaking to the media unprepared
  • How to spot a potential media crisis
  • Who to call if there is a serious issue
  • How to manage a media in a crisis
  • Doorstepping journalists
  • Managing a media interview, in theory- a few practical interviews with volunteers

All Participants Receive

  • A recording of any practical exercises, including media interviews
  • Press release templates to help you create compelling media stories
  • Workshop materials and a media interview rulebook with essential tips for future media engagements
  • A media guidance booklet containing best practices for media relations
  • Certificate of attendance if required

How to Get the Most Out of This Seminar

  • Complete the pre-course questionnaire so that we can address any particular issues you want to focus on.
  • Bring real-life examples of news stories, press releases, or previous media interactions to discuss and learn from.

Book This Course







    Use this form to book, or call us now on 01628 474 154 to discuss the best option for your organisation.

    Need something different?

    We deliver tailored training across the UK and internationally.

    If you have three or more people who require this course, ask us about an in-house training programme. It will be more cost effective, and save you the effort of travelling.

    We will bring our equipment, materials and cameras to your own premises. We tailor the training to you and your organisation.

    Get in touch or call us now to discuss the best option for your organisation.

    Tel: 01628 474154
    enquiries@mediafriendly.org