Five researchers attended a three-hour media training session Wednesday afternoon, run by the Faculty of Informatics& Communications at the university’s Public Relations Office.

“It was stimulating. We could apply what the instructors said right away and received positive and supportive feedback. Because of the one-on-one involvement, we were given extra special attention,” said Dr. Kathy Egea, a senior lecturer with the School of Computing and Information Systems.

The workshop, custom designed to specifically help researchers communicate their findings and ideas to the wider community, covered interview techniques, main messages, and how to prepare for the media.

“Researchers especially need to simplify and clarify their projects into four or five easy-to-understand key messages,” explained Kate Ames, who conducted the training session with Phil Roberston and Mike Donahue. Kate, a lecturer with the Faculty, is also a PR officer with the Australian Defence Force.

“One of the best ways to do that is to consult with a PR specialist, who knows nothing about the research. He or she will interview and talk with the researcher to boil the material down into major elements that can be easily communicated to a journalist, who then turns around and feeds it to an audience,” explained Mike Donahue, PR Manager.

Research topics included water recycling, pedagogy and testing, risk evaluation and erosion, community internet use, and the Australian family farm.

Participants were briefed on the methods and deadlines of newspaper, magazine, radio and television productions. Lecturer Phil Robertson also videotaped mock interviews with participants, which were later critiqued by the panel.

“When you do a sit-down interview for television, look at the reporters eyes, try to keep your head strait, don’t wear red, don’t use your hands... and whatever you do don’t try to make a joke” were just some tips offered by Robertson, an experienced editor and producer.

There is news value in every bit of research conducted at CQU that will add to the credible reputation of the university. Some of it will be directed to mass media, some to trade publications, and some for peer group journals. In any case there are professionals at CQU who can assist colleagues in preparing their messages.

Part of CQU’s Strategic Plan is to improve the dissemination of information about our academic and research programs and further develop the research reputation and contribution to the communities we serve and inform.

Researcher, however, is just one area where people can benefit from media training. The Faculty of Informatics & Communications and the University’s PR Department are planning to conduct more media-training sessions for Faculties, Schools and Campuses. Please contact Kate Ames or Dearne Mayer to express your interest in participating in a workshop at any campus location. Schedules will be compiled for new training sessions, which will begin after Christmas vacation. Alternatively, contact the Public Relations Department or your local Community Relations Officer or Faculty Marketing Officer for informal consultations and advice.

Please be advised that all media contact with the university is to come through the Public Relations Department.