Tell a new(s) story

Why Power of the Press

You don’t need to pay a PR company or be a trained journalist to put out a good story. Most news stories have a formula and the Power of the Press will share with you the tricks of the trade. We know these methods work because we use them every day.

Who is the course for

This course is aimed at charities, non-governmental organisations, community and voluntary groups wanting to raise awareness of their cause through free publicity provided by the local and national press.

What will I learn

Through practical sessions, each charity will learn how to generate their own stories and gain knowledge of the newsgathering process to find stories for themselves and explore ways that stories can be developed. You will learn from real examples how stories are structured in a way that news editors demand. The workshop will include how to develop news judgment, tips on how to speak to reporters and how to deal with tricky press queries and more.

Where are they held

The workshops are held mostly in London but we can come to you. Make a Booking.

Why should I attend

Natalie has personally put the workshop together based on her experience as a news reporter working in newsrooms. She is also passing on the words and advice of fellow reporters and news editors, who have the power to use or spike your story.

The Power of the Press will: help you build confidence in dealing with reporters show you tactics and tricks to create successful stories teach you real-life methods used by professional news reporters offer you simple rules on what elements your story needs provide you with skills you can use day-to-day to build strong news stories

How are they taught

Programme for course: Introduction to the Power of the Press and newspapers Different types of stories – how is my charity newsworthy How charity stories become news – from the initial press release to how it appears in the paper How newspapers work – who’s who in the newsroom, who reads your press release, what does the newsdesk do with it, what are their deadlines and how does it affect my story When the phone rings – how to deal with reporters, what information they need for a vox pop, interview, comment etc Q&A Strategies for generating effective news stories The method of putting your news story together – what to include and what to leave out Who to send your press release to and press release etiquette – the pros and cons of emails and phone calls Building relationships with reporters and the newsdesk – developing a contacts book Other hints and advice – anecdotes from the newsroom Q&A