Flow Communicaitons was called on this week by the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ) in Johannesburg to assist with a training course for media practitioners from the Municipal Demarcation Board and the Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison.
Delegates of the IAJ's 'Dealing with the Media' programme with Flow's Shoni Makhari (second from left)
The three-day course, entitled “Dealing with the Media”, aimed to assist spokespeople and PR /communication officers in developing and maintaining successful relationships with members of the press.
Experienced Flow communicators Tara Turkington, Shoni Makhari, Colin Ford, Bianca Bothma, Miliswa Sitshwele, Stuart Dickinson, Palesa Motau and Zinhle Mtyeku – together with veteran journalist Kate Turkington – shared theory, war stories and practical tips in the fields of journalism, media relations and social media with the seven delegates.
Flow CEO Tara Turkington says practical training of media liaison people is vital to ensure mutually beneficial relationships with the press.
“Having a switched-on media team benefits both your organisation and the journalist fraternity,” she says. “Where these relationships involve government organisations, the positive effects are felt at community level, as well.
“Spokespeople need to know how to prepare for their interactions with the media and, most importantly, how to conduct themselves when dealing with journalists. As representatives of their respective organisations, media liaison people are seen as the official voice of (in this case) the government. This is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly!”
The course gave an overview of the modern media landscape in South Africa and looked at the construction of news stories, writing effective press releases, relationships with the press, preparing for press conferences, media briefings and interviews, and the increasing role being played by online social media in modern communication.
“I am glad that the element of new media was integrated into the programme, as this is definitely the way we are going,” says IAJ Business Development Manager Aniesha Bulbulia.
Flow was asked to present the course in line with the IAJ’s policy to include subject matter experts in all its training.
“Flow came highly recommended as experts in their field,” says Bulbulia.
Comments from some of the delegates:
“The media training by the IAJ is interesting. The facilitators, especially Colin and Tara, bring out each topic in a practical manner. Keep it up, guys!” – Lyn Nkosi, Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
“I will strongly recommend the media management workshop for other government officials, particularly those in senior management positions, in order to [help them] understand the requirements of the media.” – Joseph Mabuza, Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
“I found the course insightful into the world of journalism, however of most value was that I was exposed to the world of social networking.” – Kamal Khadua, Municipal Demarcation Board
“I really enjoyed the IAJ training – today was absolutely more interesting. Thanks to Tara, Colin, Shoni and the rest of the Flow Communications team.” – Zandile Mandlazi, Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
“Absolutely awesome. I wish my HOD and MEC could attend it. Brilliant practicals and facilitators.” – Moeti Mmusi, Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison
“This course has opened my eyes. I wish I could stay here.” – Nomsa Queen Hlangawane, Municipal Demarcation Board
The programme ended on Friday March 18 with a practical session, involving mock television and radio interviews and a simulated press conference.
Flow regularly holds educational workshops through its in-house training division, Flow School. Topics covered include dealing with the media, using the internet effectively and social networking.