But to deal effectively with it, you need to understand how the media operates; how you can help it; and how it can help you.

At Leeds Trinity University College we offer Media Training courses designed to give you thorough media awareness and teach useful communication skills.

Our trainers are all experienced journalists who have worked extensively on newspapers, magazines, radio and television. Groups we have trained in the recent past include local government officers, British Gas advisers, members of several trade associations, charity fundraisers, headteachers, and small business operators.

We have developed a specialism in media training that can show you how to get your message across and say what you want to say in an interview; demonstrate how to deal with a hostile reporter; and suggest ways to avoid the pitfalls and possible booby traps.

As part of the training, we explain what journalists are looking for in terms of access, interviews, ‘down-the-lines’, pictures and ‘sound bites’ – and what journalists are going to do with the information you give them.

More importantly, you will have the chance to practice interview techniques in front of lights, cameras, newspaper hacks and radio reporters – in our fully equipped studios and newsrooms.

The idea is to teach you in realistic situations how to handle all types of interviews and media situations with confidence and style.

Courses are designed to meet an individual client’s requirements – from a half-day on writing effective press releases to a full day of newspaper, radio and television training. We create bespoke training packages for all clients based on their needs, and can run programmes here at Leeds Trinity, making use of our facilities, or organise sessions at other venues.

Training options include:

• How to field questions
• Finding the story in your organisation
• Writing press releases
• Radio interviews 
• TV studio experience 
• Make your own TV programme  
• Crisis management

 For more information, please contact:

 Susan Pape – 0113 283 7180 s.pape@leedstrinity.ac.uk

 Richard Horsman – 0113 283 7302 r.horsman@leedstrinity.ac.uk