How the University's Media Relations Team can support you

Course has already taken place

Max Places:
50

Description
To help you understand the role of the University’s Media Relations in
publicising research undertaken at the University.

• Increase your understanding of the role of the Media Relations
Team and the support it can offer in publicising research.
• Introduce you to members of the team and their experience
• Encourage you to think of potential topics to publicise.

The session will cover the ways in which the University Media
Relations Team can support you in promoting your research to those the
media. It is not a detailed media training event as this is delivered in
longer half day sessions.

The tutor will be one of the Media Relations Team:
Rachel Barson, Head of Media Relations
Rachel heads up the Media Relations team and works with academics to
get research stories in front of the general public, via the news and
through social media channels. She has a background in public relations
and public affairs.

Anna Martinez, Media Relations Officer
Anna promotes research expertise from the Faculty of Mathematics and
Physical Sciences and the Faculty of Environment. She advises academics
on the best ways to get their research in the media, responds to
journalists’ enquiries and works closely to co-ordinate media relations
activity with collaborators and funders, such as the National
Environment Research Council and the Science & Technology Facilities
Council.

Gareth Dant, Media Relations Manager
Gareth has responsibility for promoting the work of and responding to
journalists’ queries relating to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and
Cultures and ESSL, as well as the Library. Gareth also co-ordinates
relationships with strategic partner organisations such as Opera North
and West Yorkshire Playhouse, to help promote the role, profile and
reputation of the University.
Having started out as a newspaper reporter, Gareth has more than 20
years' experience across various roles in journalism and media
relations.

Peter Le Riche, Media Relations Manager
Peter supports Biological Sciences and Engineering, advising academics
on how to secure media interest and positioning staff as experts in
their field.
He has previously held senior editorial roles on daily and weekly
newspapers, and has several years’ experience in media relations in
higher education and local government.

Sophie Freeman, Media Relations Officer
She advises academics from Medicine & Health and ESSL on stories with
the potential to create media interest and responds to journalists’
requests for expert commentators.
Prior to joining the University of Leeds, she spent 12 years working
as a journalist.

(Optional) Related courses:

Engaging with the Media
Writing for a General Audience
TV interview skills.
What makes a good media story?