Recent debates about economists’ engagement with a wider audience have mentioned the possibility that one cause of the problem is economists’ lack of experience in dealing with the media (see p.8 above).
Readers may not be aware that all Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded academics can receive free media training, allowing them to develop their interview technique, explain the findings of their research, and pitch their story. The media training sessions are run by Chris Jameson and Tony Prideaux of Inside Edge Media Training.
The course is a one-day session for researchers, at any stage of their career. Whether a PhD student, postdoctoral researcher or senior fellow, the practical media training session provides the guidance needed to engage the media with confidence — and plenty of opportunity to practice.
The course includes:
• showing how the media can be an effective tool to disseminate research and increase its impact
• helping delegates understand what journalists want from researchers, and the news angle of research findings
• providing experience of being interviewed by a broadcast journalist in different scenarios
• offering techniques for taking control of an interview and getting a message across
• providing experience of being interviewed by a broadcast journalist in different scenarios
• offering techniques for taking control of an interview and getting a message across
• explaining how working with the media can support research having an impact on policy and practice.
Comments from satisfied customers —
‘I found the media training day incredibly useful. The coaching on ‘top lines’ (learning what news angle your research has) was particularly helpful – as an early career researcher it was great practice in figuring out the key message of my work. I also found the practical aspects of the workshop valuable. I was really nervous about this aspect of the training, but Chris and Tony were fantastic. They gave excellent feedback and created as comfortable an atmosphere as possible. I've been recommending the training to colleagues (they think I'm on commission!). An absolutely brilliant course.’ — Rebecca Wheeler, a PhD student at Goldsmiths, University of London.
‘The training session far exceeded my expectations in providing me with hands-on training on media interviews including TV and radio. The simulation of a TV studio interview was incredibly realistic – it made me all nervous at first, and the breakdown of everything from my responses to posture was excellent. I learned so much; and this comes from someone who has media experience — so thought he already knew a thing or two about tackling interviews already!’ — Dr Antonis Vradis, Durham University.
