Research news can be big news and Durham University frequently hits the headlines. Media coverage can bring many benefits but engaging with the media can be a daunting prospect. The aim of this course is to support you to develop the practical skills to engage effectively with the media and to deliver great interviews. By the end of it, you should: 

• have enhanced your practical interview skills;
• have improved your awareness of how to communicate to different audiences;
• be familiar with techniques to keep an interview on track. 

In terms of content, the course will include: 

• practical media techniques;
• how to deliver 'key messages';
• awareness of what journalists and producers are looking for;
• how to look and sound good. 

In terms of processes, these will include expert coaching and recorded interviews followed by playback/feedback sessions. 

The course is suitable for colleagues who have attended the 'Level 1: Introductory media training' course and want to take their skills to the next level OR colleagues with some media experience who want to improve their skills and confidence in dealing with the media, specifically for radio / TV interviews.  This course is intensive and there are only four places which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The facilitators will be Carl Stiansen and Claire Whitelaw, who work in media relations in the Communications Office. Carl is a radio journalist who has twelve years of experience working for TV, radio, print and online clients across the world. Formerly a correspondent in Brussels and BBC media trainer in Bosnia, Carl joined the communications team in 2008. Claire is a trained journalist and experienced communicator. She has worked as a media relations manager for two leading Higher Education institutions, an investigative journalist for BBC One prime time current affairs programmes, a reporter for regional newspapers, including the Yorkshire Post and the Newcastle Journal, and a writer for national consumer magazines.

ASDO