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Journalists give PR advice to community groups

Regional daily journalists offered advice to community groups on getting media coverage in an event held at their newspaper’s offices.

The Manchester Evening News hosted a ‘speedmatching’ event with charity The Media Trust, which allowed representatives from seven groups to meet journalists and discuss the best way to promote their projects in the press.

Campaigners working across areas such as finding new public uses for old buildings, helping mothers and children, and inspiring disadvantaged and underprivileged children were invited to attend the event.

Each had one-to-one sessions with MEN journalists and staff covering areas such as dealing with the media, marketing and the use of social media. Three public relations professionals also took part.

MEN digital development editor Seb Ramsay, left, at the event

MEN digital development editor Seb Ramsay, left, at the event

MEN managing editor Paul Coates said: “We were delighted to work with The Media Trust in helping some of the many community groups in the region, many of which are working so hard to plug many of the gaps left by funding cuts.

“Everyone seems to have a positive experience and I’d like to say a big thank you to the MEN staff who took part and the public relations professionals who generously gave their time.”

George Oliver, editor at the MEN’s sister daily the Leicester Mercury, has tweeted that his paper is also planning to hold a similar session in future.

4 comments

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  • February 8, 2017 at 9:57 am
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    Good idea. Many people submitting copy have no idea of how to make life easier for the content editor or what an angle is. I hope they are using experienced staff.

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  • February 8, 2017 at 11:14 am
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    Great idea. A few professional PRs should attend, too. Waffle from this morning’s inbox includes: “Spanning seven categories, the shortlist for each award was decided following a day of deliberations by a panel of esteemed judges.” Add three emails starting: “We are delighted to announce that….” and I won’t need to explain why I’m in “Bah, humbug!” mode.

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  • February 8, 2017 at 12:46 pm
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    Making it easier to supply RGC which in turn will put journalists out of a job, very likely the ones at the forum giving the advice
    Interesting cost savings concept

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  • February 8, 2017 at 1:06 pm
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    In my experience you give these folks advice, on the lines that stories that get noticed revolve around interesting people doing interesting things, and they don’t listen to a word you say.

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