The Science Media Centre: Introduction to News Media 

If you’re frustrated by what you read and see in the news and you care about how the media presents your science, or you just want to know more about how the media works then this is the event for you.  The Science Media Centre would like to invite you to our next Introduction to the News Mediahttp://www.sciencemediacentre.org/working-with-us/for-scientists/intro/ 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.

Register your interest

If you wish to attend this free session please send your full name, job title, institution, institutional email address and phone number(s) to introduction@sciencemediacentre.org and we will send you the programme and more information in due course. 

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 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.  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 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. 

You 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 you for a confrontation with Paxman or Humphrys but it will give you a flavour of the media to help you understand its demands and make it easier for you to work with journalists.

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 register if you have attended before.