A Guide for African Science Media Officers
Wellcome Trust;SciDevNet (2011), 20 pp.
"Good reporting of science in the media is vital in drawing the attention of both policymakers and the public to the important role that science and technology can play in achieving sustainable development, and press officers can contribute significantly to helping science journalists ensure that this happens. This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the techniques that press officers can use to create a close and supportive working relationship with the journalist community." (Foreword)
The role of the science media officer, 3
Thinking strategically, 4
Promoting research responsibly, 5
Is your story newsworthy? 6
Tactics, tools and timing, 7
Writing the perfect press release, 8
Sending out your press release, 9
Working with journals, 10
Other opportunities for media coverage, 11
Pitching your story, 12
The power of radio, 13
Getting science news on television and organising a media event, 14
Embracing new media, 15
Preparing your scientists, 16
Managing collaborative stories and working with agencies and freelancers, 17
CASE STUDIES
1. Do the right thing – science communication in Africa, 18
2. Personalising a press release, 19
3. When the headline gets it wrong, 20
Thinking strategically, 4
Promoting research responsibly, 5
Is your story newsworthy? 6
Tactics, tools and timing, 7
Writing the perfect press release, 8
Sending out your press release, 9
Working with journals, 10
Other opportunities for media coverage, 11
Pitching your story, 12
The power of radio, 13
Getting science news on television and organising a media event, 14
Embracing new media, 15
Preparing your scientists, 16
Managing collaborative stories and working with agencies and freelancers, 17
CASE STUDIES
1. Do the right thing – science communication in Africa, 18
2. Personalising a press release, 19
3. When the headline gets it wrong, 20
