Training for Public Agency Communicators and Partners: Media Relations

About

Training for Public Agency Communicators and Partners: Media Relations

Communications plans are an important element in successful messaging. Learning the elements of a well-developed communications plan and the best practices for its development can make a significant impact on your communications efforts. This course will introduce you to the main elements of a communications plan, as well as how to create successful plans.

Course Schedule

Elements of the course:

• Interactive practice activities
• Learn More opportunities
• Supplemental reference materials
• Information assessment quizzes
• Final assessment

• Unit 1 - Basic Tools and Terms
• Unit 2 - How to Interact with the Media
• Unit 3 - Information Accuracy and Consistency

Learn To

• Summarize terminology associated with media interactions.
• Identify different media contacts already working with your agency and build a media list.
• Identify what material is relevant to share publicly through the media.
• Explain how to interact with the media in writing and orally.
• Prepare for and participate in a media interview.
• Identify sources of internal information.
• Describe methods to ensure that information shared with the public is consistent across your communications platforms and tools.
• Employ guidelines for partner communication.

Recommended Background:

There are a wide range of public agency communicators, their partners, and members of the public who may qualify for and benefit from this training. The primary users have been identified as National Park Service employees who, at a minimum, have collateral duty responsibilities pertaining to communications, marketing, and/or public affairs. This training is also designed for and applicable to park professionals in state, county, and municipal agencies and non-profit organizations who are responsible for communicating with the public.