Media release: NUJ Scotland training: podcasting, feature writing, etc

PLACES are still available on our upcoming NUJ Scotland courses, running in Glasgow. All courses cost £95 for NUJ members and anyone wishing to book a place should contact Joan Macdonald at joanm@nuj.org.uk.

Audio recording and editing for journalists – April 30 2019 (Glasgow)

Podcast listener figures have almost doubled in five years, proving the demand for the spoken word.

Some of the most popular podcasts take the form of an interview – something many journalists already have extensive experience of – with one key difference being the higher recording quality.

This one-day course will offer journalists a jargon-free introduction to the equipment, software and skills required to make pro-level interview recordings.

It will appeal to those looking to make and publish audio material, offer this service to their employer or freelance clients, or to anyone looking to improve the quality of their interview recordings for their own records.

Feature writing and pitching – 1 May 2019 (Glasgow)

Print journalism is said to be a dying industry and has been counted out repeatedly over the years. But it remains one of the main media in which the world is examined in depth and where people are able to understand the context of events and not just hear the facts.

Feature writing is the art form of print journalism, using story telling and the techniques of fiction to reach people both emotionally and intellectually. So if you’re interested in great writing and interested in people, this one day course is for you.

Given by a prize-winning tutor who has won awards for feature writing, medical journalism, comment and travel writing and also been shortlisted for prestigious fiction awards, it looks at the core skills of writing, research, ideas, and interviewing. You will also learn how to navigate the difficult world of selling your ideas and how to pitch to editors.

PR and communications training – 17 May 2019 (Glasgow)

The media industry remains in a state of constant flux. Traditional news media is changing and the way we consume news has been transformed thanks to social media. Accusations of ‘fake news’ and lack of trust abound. The importance of communicating your message to your audiences in the right way, at the right time and through the right channels has never been more important – and the skills to do it never more in demand.

This one-day introductory course will give you a solid grounding in how PR and communications is reacting to the changes in the media landscape – and how you can create, shape and manage your messaging in the most effective way.

Whether you have no experience in communications or have – or already work – in a public relations role, this course will help you to hone the skills necessary to ensure your organisation’s mission and message are at the forefront of any media.

You will also understand the emotional drivers associated with communications, the changing media landscape and how you can take advantage of it. You will learn how to target your communications, ensuring they best fit the media you need to reach your audience – and how to get your people for interviews.

You will also gain a better understanding of the importance of social media and how it is changing the comms landscape and how integrated campaigns and digital assets are impacting a new canvas for creative and direct communications. What’s more, you will understand how to drive public debate and get a flavour of what – and what not to do – during a reputational crisis.

Your tutor for the day is an award-winning journalist and scriptwriter, who has led the PR and communications team at Glasgow Life since 2007.

During that time, James Doherty has helped to successfully communicate everything from the opening of the Riverside Museum and the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, to major events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games and 2018 European Championships.

He’s also helped manage the odd reputational crisis or two.

Glasgow Life operates from 171 venues and sites, with almost 3,000 staff and volunteers across the city’s cultural, arts, music, sport, communities and libraries and events estates.

So, if you are looking to learn new skills or see if you’re already on the right track towards a career in PR and communications, then this course is for you.

Travel writing – 24 May 2019 (Glasgow)

This course is more a nuts and bolts course rather than a ‘How to write travel articles’ one, looking at how to break into travel using skills journalists have already.

MEDIA RELEASE issued by NUJ Scotland. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Joan Macdonald

Email: joanm@nuj.org.uk