"Hands down this was the most useful and relevant course I have been on. A good mixture of practical and theory, provided in a relaxed way. I would not hesitate to recommend to colleagues and peers if I thought it was relevant to their areas."
Lisa Balliache,
Press and PR Officer, John Lewis


(More testimonials...)

When and where is our next course? See here.

Does your principal, CEO or vice chancellor expect you to hit the nationals? Does he/she want more news coverage? 

Are you tired of the trade press banging on about sector reputation when the nationals just aren't interested? You can spot a good story at ten paces, your press releases are watertight, you're not afraid of cold-calling... so why aren't editors picking up more of your stories? Have you ever sat down and really thought about what a journalist wants? Considered their priorities, the nuts and bolts of what they need to make a story work and the pressures of writing to immoveable deadlines?

If not, you're missing a trick, because it's only when you understand the nitty gritty of how a journalist makes the decision on whether to go with a story that you'll regularly sell in your ideas.

This two-day training course will explore what journalists want from PRs, what they don't, and how PRs can use this knowledge to their advantage.

Key topics will include:

Day One - Getting Inside A Journalist's Mind

  • Why most press releases don't work - and why some do.
  • How to get the story right: understanding your market and tailoring ideas for the best fit.
  • Helping not hindering the journalist: how to build the 'complete package' that will make your story happen.
  • 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours': developing long-term relationships with editors and journalists.

Day Two - Approaching The Dragon's Den

  • Writing the perfect pitch: what gets a journalist to sit up and take notice.
  • Pitching and chasing over the phone: what journalists want you to know - plus a few of the things it's best to avoid.
  • When a pitch doesn't work: how to find new angles on your story.
  • Pitching cold - how to improve your chance of success.


Maximum 12 participants

Cost per delegate:
£500