"Communicating research findings to potential users outside the academic community, whether in government, business, Third Sector or the general public, has, or at least should become, an essential element in most social scientists’ working lives. Engaging with the media enables you not just to reach ‘opinion formers’, the public and their academic peers, it is also the most effective way of: communicating research to potential users; raising your profile; getting involved in wider public debate; meeting the broader obligations of accountability that are incumbent on all publicly funded researchers. This publication provides some practical guidelines on how you can engage with the media in order to have a greater impact on the national debate. It will also provide you with information about: what makes a good news story; working effectively with journalist; writing press releases; giving TV and radio interviews; working with radio and TV documentary makers." (Introduction)