Media Training for Councillors
No one wants a new councillor speaking “off the cuff” or making a social media gaffe that could harm your reputation.
Course Details
This three-hour media Seminar is the ideal induction for new councillors or officers who need to understand the importance of protecting and enhancing your council’s reputation.
Our BBC experienced trainers can deliver this seminar remotely or in your premises.
We cover everything your councillors need to know, from how a journalist thinks, to working effectively with the Communications team. They will also learn to spot and avert a potential crisis and handle media interviews successfully.
What to expect
This seminar will be tailored to your organisation.
The seminar is approximately three hours, but we can trim it to fit your requirements. It is ideal for new councillors and anyone who needs to understand how the media works. We show how to work with your communications team and use the media more effectively.
We show the importance of managing the media to protect and enhance your reputation.
The seminar is fun, informative, and entertaining, we include relevant clips to illustrate our examples and encourage audience interaction.
We use a combination of PowerPoint, flip charts, and audience participation. We usually ask for one or two volunteers to take part in practice media interviews, where specific key messages need to be communicated. We would then replay the interview, highlighting the lessons from this random example.
You will learn
- How the media works today
- 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 makes 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
- 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 spot and avert a potential media crisis
- Managing a media interview, in theory- a few practical interviews with volunteers
- What to say and what not to say when a journalist calls.
- The hazards of speaking to the media unprepared
- Preparing your key messages
- Our ABC formula for successful media interviews
- 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
- Handling hostile questions
- Bridging techniques
- Staying on message
- Managing a media interview- practical exercises
- Playback, analysis and tuition
- Recap and conclusions
All Participants Receive
- A recording with all their interviews
- Workshop materials
- Media Interview rule book and handy tips card to help with future media interviews
- A certificate of attendance if required
Who should attend
- Senior councillors and newly elected members
- New press and PR Officers
- New managers
- PR Professionals
- Communication Leads
- Anyone who wants to understand how the media works
Enquire Now
Use this form to book, or call us now on 01628 474 154 to discuss the best option for your organisation.