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Former press man's training venture helps firms make most of the media

A former regional press journalist is launching a training company to teach Yorkshire firms how to step in and out of the media spotlight, impress the press – and make the most of the media.

DJM Media Training and Consultancy has been founded by ex-Yorkshire Post man Dave Mark to help public and private sector organisations generate genuine news stories and limit negative publicity.

Dave, (left), has spent many years working for a variety of award-winning newspapers, including the Carlisle News & Star, Nottingham Evening Post and Grimsby Telegraph, and has covered many of the big local stories of the past decade.

He sees his mission as helping those who come into contact with the press to do so confidently, professionally, and in a way that enhances their organisation’s image, while satisfying the needs of the reporter in the newsroom who gets the lead.

The company is hosting a series of one-day workshops that will show delegates how to spot a story, how to exploit a situation, how to create maximum positive exposure for their organisation, and how to minimise the negative.

Dave said: “I was a reporter for many years, and it’s the most misunderstood industry in the world. People don’t understand the demands on a reporter’s time. I’m showing people how newspapers really work, and how they can use that knowledge to really raise their profile.

“Most of the so-called press releases that used to land on my desk or in my in-box were absolutely terrible. Badly written, badly spelled, or completely lacking in any newsworthy angle.

“I’m showing people how to spot genuine news stories, how to generate good relationships with members of the media and what to do if the worst happens.

“There’s a lot to be said for public relations companies and they have a valuable role to play, but the people who pay their wages need to understand just how the media works so they can better instruct their staff, and have a profile of their own.”

DJM also offers retained consultancy services, providing an expert guiding hand in times of crisis, or helping to design and steer media strategies. Bespoke media training courses are also proving popular with firms in Hull, East Yorkshire and beyond. Details of the different services offered can be found at djm-media.co.uk.

Workshops for town and parish councils are being held throughout June and July, and the company is currently developing a reputation for its expertise in training senior staff at primary and secondary schools. Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail [email protected]