Media Relations Training

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This seminar will equip participants with the fundamental tools needed to deal with the media professionally and productively. This crash course in media relations will provide a better understanding of how the media works and how to make their involvement with the media work better.

Among the many topics covered are:

  • Dozens of practical tips on what to do and what not to do
  • Real-world definitions of key media relations terms
  • How to prepare for a media interview
  • How to work with the press
  • Learn your "rights" with the media
  • Media interview traps to avoid
  • How to prepare for a television and radio interview
  • Do's and Don'ts for TV
  • Interactive "on camera" television appearances
  • Constructive critiques of performances

Seminar Tips:

Five mistakes to avoid when dealing with a reporter

  • Insisting that the reporter write a perfect story advocating your position
  • Providing too few: facts, statistics, examples, quotes, photo opportunities
  • Expecting an error-free story
  • Having a bad attitude about the media
  • Feeling doomed to failure when working with the press

Online learning options for individuals

Select each link below to review information on online learning offerings related to the topics on this page. If you are interested in purchasing the tutorial, select 'Go to checkout' - the tutorials you reviewed will be in your basket.

Client Testimonials

"I liked the way we went "on-camera" to create a realistic, anxiety-filled interview situation. This is the way media interviews are in real life."
"The list of Do's and Don'ts was important. I had never thought about some of those things."
"I came away from this training with a better understanding of media relations from the press' viewpoint."
"I now understand what my company can do to influence how our stories are covered by the media. We have more power than I thought. With this training, we now also have the tools we need to influence the media."
"I have taken 3 media relations classes before, but this was by far the best. The instructor does a fantastic job of creating a relaxed learning environment, especially with a subject that often creates tension."
"The segment on how to handle tricky questions was my favorite. The techniques that I learned will help me immensely."
"The role-playing exercise where we all went 'on-camera' was very valuable and enjoyable."
"Before this class, I never realized how important advance preparation was to a successful media interview. In fact, I didn't even know how to prepare or what to prepare for, really. Now I do and I think I'll be able to do a much better job because I took this seminar."
"Because the instructor has worked in the media field for so long, he was able to give us excellent, pertinent examples that brought the learning to life for me."
"Excellent job! The President and others were very impressed. They loved your easygoing but direct manner. Several who had been through other media training activities expressed their appreciation for your expertise. I hope we can call upon your talents again."

Schedule This Training

For groups of 3 or more participants

Cypress Media Group presents this seminar as an on-site offering at your work location or at an off-site location of your choice. We can customize this training program to suit your precise training needs.

For economic reasons, this seminar is only offered to groups of roughly three or more people with the same training needs. If you have a group with similar training needs, please call us at 770-640-9918 or E-mail to discuss your interest.

For fewer than 3 participants

We do not offer this course as an open enrollment public offering for individuals. If you have fewer than three participants who are interested in this course, the cost will be the same as for a larger group.

Please call us at 770-640-9918 or E-mail to discuss your interest.

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About the Instructor

Randall P. Whatley

Randall P. Whatley is a 30-year media veteran with diverse business experience. He is president of Cypress Media Group , an Atlanta-based advertising, public relations, and training firm. He has extensive experience advising government officials, political candidates, public officials, and corporate executives.

Whatley teaches the practical, real-world skills that he has acquired and refined over three decades as an advertising and public relations practitioner. His presentation and media relations skills were honed as a lobbyist and political consultant on over 50 campaigns in four states. He has written two books, two syndicated newspaper columns, and many magazine and Internet articles. He has also hosted his own television and radio program and appeared often as a TV and radio program guest, including a CNN appearance. Whatley has also produced TV and radio ads.

Randall P. Whatley teaches the following courses to companies and government agencies worldwide:

He can be reached by e-mail at randy@cypressmedia.net.

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