Where: Dialogue Society, London
Time: 6:45pm
With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

Index

• Abstract
• Biography
• Media School Aims and Objectives
• Who's it for?
• The Topics
• Photos

Abstract

This session will teach participants to produce clear, succinct, effective press releases in the proper format. There will be opportunities for participants to attempt press releases and receive constructive feedback.

Biography

Neil Barnett is a former journalist with extensive experience as a foreign correspondent throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Iraq and other countries in the Middle East. His outlets included the Telegraph, the Spectator, and the Jane's series of subscription publications in defense and security - areas he covered extensively.

MEDIA SCHOOL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Today's world, with its many forms of media, presents a huge range of opportunities for individuals and organisations to convey their message to the public. It also presents significant challenges. Among these are the possibility of misleading media coverage and the need to express an organisation's aims and projects in the succinct and memorable forms demanded by the fast pace of the media world.

As a result, small to medium sized organisations and others looking to engage with the media often face the following questions:

• How can I get my message across?
• What practical steps can I take to ensure that I am not misunderstood or misrepresented?
• Why do the media always focus on bad news?
• Do I have any rights over the media?
• How do I write an effective press release, or create a successful blog?
• How do I prepare for a media interview?
• How can I use the media to raise the profile of my organisation?

The Dialogue Society's proposed Media School aims to empower young people and representatives of small and medium sized charities and community groups to:

• Understand how media works, exploring its relationship with society and politics and how it engages with charities and community groups.
• Explain the key aims and the work of their organisation clearly and succinctly.
• Deal effectively with media attention.
• Raise the profile of their organisation by successful engagement with journalists.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively in a range of media, from press releases to live interviews to blogs.
• Employ internet communication, including social media, to propagate their message and raise their profile.

Who's it for?

• Small to medium organisations (charities and community groups)
• Young people
• Community leaders
• Religious leaders
• Public Relations Officers
• Students and others interested in practical media engagement

The Topics

1. Understanding the media in society
18/11/2010
With Maria Way, Senior Lecturer in Media Theory, University of Westminster

2. The Media and Religion
25/11/2010
With Maria Way, Senior Lecturer in Media Theory, University of Westminster

3. Citizen Journalism
12/01/2010
With Jonathan Fryer, Writer, Broadcaster, Lecturer and Politician

4. Being a Media Spokesman: Issuing Statements and Handling Press Enquiries
19/01/2011
With Revd John Carter MA, Press Officer for the Church of England

5. A journalist’s Perspective
26/01/2011
With Nigel Dudley, Economics and Politics Journalist and Editor of Quantum

6. Writing Press Releases
02/02/2010
With Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

7. Broadcast Interview Skills
16/02/2011
With Julia Rooke, Freelance Radio and TV Journalist

8. Understanding and Using new Media
23/02/2011
With Will Straw, Editor, Left Foot Forward

9. Attracting Media Coverage
09/03/2011
With Mayah Riaz, Director of Mayah Consultancy

10. Crisis and Reputation Management
13/04/2011
With Anna Averkiou, Media Consultant

11. Social Media Engagement
tbc
Havva Murat, Media and Communications Director, Dialogue Society

Photos

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator

With: Neil Barnett, Previously a Journalist with the Telegraph and the Spectator