Introduction to the news media, 21 February 2014

 

We would like to invite your scientists, engineers and clinicians to our next Introduction to the News Media session on Friday 21 February 2014.  It will be held at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT.  The event will take place from 12.30 until 17.00 with drinks afterwards.

 

This event is specifically geared towards scientists with little or no media experience, particularly those whose subject areas are controversial and of interest to the media, and tend to receive a lot of coverage.

 

Register interest

If you have people who wish to attend this free session please send their full names, job titles, institutions, institutional email addresses and phone numbers to [log in to unmask] and we will send them the programme and more information in due course.  (Note from Scott at the RSS: would be grateful if you could copy me in at [log in to unmask] so I know you’re taking part.)

 

I’m afraid I can’t reserve places without names and I would ask only for the names and addresses of confirmed attendees.  Places are limited and we anticipate that the demand for places will be higher than we can accommodate.

 

What is involved?

Science has never been as prominent in the news as it is today and it is paramount that the issues are 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.

 

This event is for ~250 scientists and is divided into two sessions with a tea break, and includes a drinks reception at the end.  Lunch will not be provided.  The event is completely free of charge. 

 

Attendees will be given a beginner’s guide to the media and hear from media-experienced scientists, news journalists, science correspondents and press officers about the realities of the news media.  Topics include:

 

• how and why scientists and journalists should engage with each other
• top tips for dealing with the media
• how journalists find stories
• the role of the press office
• the role of the news editor

 

It isn’t:

Skills-based media training.  This session will not prepare delegates for a confrontation with Paxman or Humphrys 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.

 

Is it for you?

These free events are designed specifically for scientists with little or no media experience and we welcome scientists, engineers and clinicians at any stage of their career in academia or industry from any institution (PhD level or professional equivalent and above).

 

The sessions are especially relevant for scientists working in areas that are controversial and receive a lot of media coverage. They 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.

 

What scientists who have previously attended say:

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

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

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

“Really enjoyed the meeting and found it very informative.”

http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/working-with-us/for-scientists/intro/