Media awareness and effective dissemination: strategies for seeking out great Cochrane stories and sharing Cochrane evidence with the media

Article type
Year
Authors
Hurley S1
1Cochrane Australia
Abstract
Objectives:
1. To understand ‘the media’. Who are they? How do they tick? Why should we communicate with them?
2. Give practical information on what makes a great story. How do you present to the media, what gives an ‘edge’ which will result in memorable coverage?
3. Realize the power of the press release; the PR process.
4. How to create relationships with key journalists and bloggers to communicate Cochrane content effectively.
5. Supported hands-on opportunity to explore story ideas, news angles for ‘headlines’, and ask questions.

Description: Does the thought of talking to a journalist bring you out in a cold sweat? Would you like to know how to communicate your content to external audiences through the media? The Communications and External Affairs Department (CEAD) are looking for ways to spread the word more effectively about Cochrane activities and evidence in support of Strategy to 2020 Goal 3: ‘advocating for evidence.’

We will focus on learning more about how to disseminate effectively to a wider world. We will look at the varying range of media outlets, and how each can be used to disseminate Cochrane content. We will examine what makes a great story, explore ways to become more media aware, and how to build relationships with key science/health correspondents and bloggers who can communicate Cochrane’s impact on policy and practice. We aim to show how higher-quality media coverage will improve our communication and capture Cochrane's impact.