Are you interested in how the media works? Do you get frustrated by what you read and see in the news? Do you want to help journalists report your subject better? If so, this is the event for you. If you have colleagues who might be interested in this event, please forward this email to them.
Come to our next Introduction to the News Media event on Thursday 24th October at the Wellcome Trust in London (215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK), from 1pm to 5pm.
It’s a hugely informative, entertaining and popular afternoon. And it’s FREE.
You will hear from national news science journalists about what makes a story, what drives the news agenda and what they need from you – and you will get a chance to interrogate them on what drives you mad about the media.
You will also hear from press officers working at the coal face of science communication, and from scientists who have worked with the media and lived to tell the tale.
Register your interest
If you’d like to attend, please send your full name, job title, institution, institutional e-mail address and phone number to introduction@sciencemediacentre.org and we will send you confirmation, the programme and more information in due course.
Places are limited and we are looking for scientists at least part way into their careers – so it’s not aimed at students.
Please do not request a place unless you are sure you can make the date and it is in your diary. Please also direct any queries to introduction@sciencemediacentre.org
What is involved?
Science has never been as prominent in the news as it is today – from statins to fracking, genome editing to diet, and antidepressants to drones. It is paramount that these issues are communicated correctly and that evidence has its say. 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. At the Science Media Centre we spend a lot of time putting scientists and journalists in touch when science hits the headlines, and experts like you are often in great demand.
This event is a beginner’s guide to the media, giving an insight into the way the news media works. You will 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
- how journalists find stories
- top tips for dealing with the media
- the role of the press officer
- the role of the news editor
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. Lunch will not be provided.
It isn’t: Skills-based media training. This session will not prepare you for a confrontation with the hosts of radio 4’s Today but it will give a flavour of the media to help you understand its demands and make it easier for you to work with journalists. It will also give you good reasons to forge closer ties with your 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 in academia or industry from any institution (PhD level or professional equivalent and above; senior scientists very welcome).
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 register if you have attended before.
What scientists who have previously attended this event say: “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 the event was extremely well organised and had a good balance of views from scientists and the media. Very engaging speakers and really practical advice and information.”
“Really enjoyed the meeting and found it very informative.”
“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.”
We really look forward to meeting you!
