Possibly of interest to some British-based CAS member:

Dear all,

Apologies if you have already received this email, or if it isn't  
relevant
to you.

We would like to invite you and your scientists and engineers to our
Introduction to the News Media event on Wednesday 4 November 2009 at the
Royal Institution from 12.30pm to 5pm with drinks afterwards.

This event is specifically geared towards engineers and scientists with
little or no media experience.  If you have people who wish to attend  
then
please send their names, job titles, institutional e-mail addresses and
phone numbers to [log in to unmask]  I'm afraid I  
can't
reserve places without names and I would ask only for the names and
addresses of confirmed attendees.

Science has never been as prominent in the news as it is today and it is
paramount that the issues be communicated correctly. We have some  
excellent
science journalists in the UK, but the news stories will never be  
covered
as accurately as we want them to be without the direct involvement of  
the
experts themselves.

What is this event?

A beginner's guide to the media, giving an insight into the way the news
media works.  You will get a tour of some of the key issues, hearing  
from
journalists, press officers and other scientists about:
  * the deadlines that journalists work to
  * the role of the editor
  * how journalists find stories
  * top tips for dealing with the media
  * the role of the press officer
  * the importance of engaging with the media

It isn't:

Traditional media training. This session will not prepare scientists  
for a
confrontation with Paxman or Humphries, and is not skills-based media
training; but it will give a flavour of the media to help scientists
understand its demands and make it easier for them to work with
journalists.  It will also give them good reasons to forge closer ties  
with
their press office.

What scientists who have previously attended this event say:

"It gave me a good insight into why the media view is so different- and
makes me listen to the views expressed now in a different light."

"Have already had some contacts with the media, but was very nice to  
hear
things from their point of view. Must be said, have not appreciated  
fully
the time pressures they work under."

"I found it one of the most rewarding uses of an afternoon that I can
remember."

"I found the event very interesting and useful. I feel more comfortable
with the idea of talking to journalists now."

"I thought it was great and gave me at least 5 major take home points  
which
I will use in the future."

"Really enjoyed the meeting and found it very informative."

"We have needed an event like this for a long time."

Is it for your scientists?

This is only for scientists who have not had much/any media experience
before -- we are very limited on space so please don't come along if you
are already media trained or have lots of experience of dealing with
journalists.

It will be very similar to previous SMC Introduction to the Media days  
--
so please don't send anyone who has been to the event before.

The event will be divided up into two sessions with a tea break, and  
we'll
finish off over a glass of wine and the opportunity to network  
informally
with your peers. I'll get back to you with more information closer to  
the
time.

The event is completely free of charge.  However, owing to the size of  
the
lecture theatre, numbers will be limited so we are keen to give these
limited places to those of you who will benefit most from this event.

Finally -- please do not request a place unless you are absolutely  
sure you
can attend this session and it is definitely in your diary. Places are
limited and we anticipate that the demand for places will be higher  
than we
can accommodate.

If you would like to register for this event and are free on November 4,
please send an e-mail with your name and institutional e-mail address to

   [log in to unmask]

We will then get back to you at a later date to confirm places and the  
full
details of the event.

Please note that this event is very specifically geared towards  
scientists
and engineers, and although we are happy to invite accompanying press
officers it's important that the audience is not too full of  
communications
professionals -- we would be preaching to the converted!

Best wishes,

Tom

====
Paul Brown - based in the UK July - Sept 2009
mailto:[log in to unmask] == http://www.paul-brown.com
UK Mobile +44 (0)794 104 8228 == USA fax +1 309 216 9900
Skype paul-g-brown
====
Visiting Professor - Sussex University
http://www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/ccnr/research/creativity.html
====