What makes reporters tick and how to work with them to get more and better coverage.
The media is changing rapidly as all content becomes digital, deadlines are 24/7 and everybody is potentially a publisher.
These changes are challenging enough for reporters, but for those outside the media profession, they can be utterly perplexing. So how do you make sense of today’s ever-shifting media landscape and give reporters what they need, not what you want? Want to work with the media better?
What you'll learn
This course will teach you how to feel more comfortable working with reporters and more confident pitching stories to them.
Our aim is to help you understand the breakneck changes taking place in the media. But also to grasp what drives journalists and how to give them what they’re looking for.
You will learn what journalists want from you – usually news or views – how to target the media and pitch them stories, and how to write newsworthy press releases and handle press conferences.
Programme
Media Relations
1
Understanding journalists
- Who are journalists and what do they want from you?
- Building relationships with journalists – in-person and online
2
Understanding what’s news
- Making sure your news is timely, relevant, important and interesting for audiences
- Finding a peg or hook for your news
- Distinguishing news from process, procedure and publicity
3
Pitching your story to the media
- Tailoring your news/message for different media
- Targeting the most influential media
- Pitching by phone, email, social media
4
Writing newsworthy press releases
- Short, snappy headlines
- Punchy leads
- Quotable quotes
5
Using media relations tools
- Op-eds
- Press briefings and conferences
- Press trips
6
Preparing for media interviews
- Preparing messages/proof points
- Angling the news
- Anticipating tough questions/rehearsing
- Mastering TV, print, audio interviews
What's included?
- 100% practical training featuring real case scenarios and exercises linked to your media outreach
- Tailored to your needs, with no off-the shelf-slide decks
- Delivered in-person or online - whichever suits you
- Delivered by experienced trainers with real-world media expertise
- Workshops whenever you want, wherever you are
- Flexible duration: One day, multiple days? You decide
- Course handouts and supporting materials
Potential add-ons:
- Use of our beautiful training facilities
- Attendance certificates
- Follow-up sessions
- Support pitching stories and drafting press releases
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for anyone who wants to work with journalists to make the news or voice their views.
Whether you’re a press officer, media spokesperson, communication professional or policy expert, this course will equip you with the skills to work with journalists more confidently and make sure your messages make the news.
It can be adapted to all levels of experience depending on your organisation’s needs.
Meet our trainers
Our experienced trainers bring decades of experience as journalists and media coaches.
For this course, your trainer will be either Gareth Harding or Brandon Mitchener, both former journalists who have worked for some of the world’s top publications and advised dozens of organisations how to work better with the media.
The Clear Europe team, alongside your trainer, will collaborate closely with you to customise the training, offer ongoing support and ensure you gain actionable skills to work confidently with journalists.
Testimonials
What our clients say
FAQs
Curious about how we work?
Check our FAQ to find out everything you need to know about organising a training with us.
Panel body text.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
We're here to help — get in touch
Are you ready to handle journalists?
Contact - Media Relations
"*" indicates required fields
