Whose to blame over the Bridgend suicides

Debate is raging this week over the power of the media and its effect on the tragic suicides in Bridgend. Senior figures within the police force have called for a news blackout as they fear that reporting of such incidents only encourages vulnerable teenagers to do the same. But what/who has the greatest influence over teenagers today - Is it the traditional press or is it the the new media world of social networking that spreads the story, encouraging teenagers to discuss with their friends and ultimately give kudos to this horrific act. I'm sure this won't be the first where both the old and the new worlds of media collide.

MF Launches 'New Media' Training Workshops

Advances in technology mean that how we access news and how companies communicate is changing fast. As well as the mainstream media, there are new channels through which organisations now need to control the message about their products and reputation.

How do you manage the blogosphere or engage effectively with the many social network communities such as facebook and myspace?

How can podcasting help your organisation resonate with a new digital audience?

What are the implications of getting involved?

How do you manage these new strands to your communications strategy effectively - both internally and externally?

We can guide you through the ever-changing new media landscape, give you the tools to manage your online reputation and help you participate effectively online.

Bespoke Training - You can hear more about how Media First can tailor a New Media course to your exact requirements by listening to our podcast. Or you can contact us if you'd like more information.

Workshops - Our New Media Workshops are designed to fulfill the requirements of individuals or small groups of candidates who require training in an informal, mixed group environment. Click here to view our New Media Workshop schedule.

Media First provides bespoke communications and media training to suit the individual aims and objectives of each client, which gives us the flexibility to accommodate any training requirement.

If you'd like to know more about Media First and the training we provide, you can visit our website or just download one of our podcasts from the main menu.

Flash Gordon!

It's that time of year again. Yup it's party conference season - and what a week Labour are having! This time last year could anyone imagine Labour being ahead in the polls and even considering a snap election? Gordon Brown and his press team provide the perfect example of how to feed the media with the right messages to damage your opponent. Constant briefings to journalists - who just love speculation - which in turn only causes more unrest for the Conservatives. Give journalists a good story and they have no need to go digging. You can get all the coverage you want!

All publicity is good publicity!

As Boris Johnson launches his campaign to become Mayor of London, surely there is no better example of someone who knows how to use the media effectively. Here is a man who creates the impression of being a bumbling MP and who has been involved in a serives of media furores over his comments about Portsmouth, Jamie Oliver and Liverpool. Yet still the public want more and his TV and radio coverage increases. His ability to bounce back and give the media what they want- a good story - is never ending. It is no accident that he manages to keep his profile to the top of most news programmes' running order. He knows exactly how to play the game.
So is he a serious opponent for Ken Livingstone or just a man who adores the limelight? One thing is certain: if Londoners do decide to vote for him, London will never be quite the same again!

Care and compassion - just what's needed

After the tragic death of Rhys Jones on Wednesday evening, there was the inevitable frenzy of media attention as to how and why such an incident could occur. For the police team running the investigation, dealing with this kind of intense media pressure can be extremely challenging as they are required to simultaneously do their job and give the media regular updates. On BBC Breakfast the morning after the shooting, Chief Constable Simon Byrne was giving a live 'down the line' interview from Liverpool. His compassionate and measured response to the often tough questioning about how the investigation was being run was the perfect example of how to handle a crisis situation. In these types of interivew it is very easy to simply respond to the interviewer's line of questioning. The key is to take the initiative, to show care and understanding and to reassure your audience that you and your organisation are in control of what is often a very difficult situation.

A right Royal Mail result

What a difference a day makes! Over the weekend General Sir Richard Dannatt was seen on national TV highlighting the fact that soldiers are still being charged postage by the Royal Mail whilst on duty abroad.

This comment comes after relatives signed a petition asking the Government to pick up the bill for post to troops overseas.

Within 24 hours news had broken on the BBC website that the Royal Mail will shortly be announcing free post for our brave boys. A perfect example of someone using the media to get their message across and harnassing the power of public opinion to get the result the families wanted.

Suitable surnames!

Is it us, or are increasing numbers of spokespeople seeming perfectly suitably named for the organizations they represent?

Last night, BBC South Today reported on the controversy surrounding the giant sheep advertisement – part of a campaign to promote Quality Standard lamb in the light of the recent foot-and-mouth outbreak – staked to a hillside on the side of the M3.

Mo Herd from the English Beef and Lamb Executive will no doubt be disappointed this morning that the sheep will be removed after safety fears were raised.

Mo’s old colleague from her days at the Meat & Livestock Commission – Amanda Lamm – might also agree.

This morning we hear from the RSPB’s conservation director Dr Mark Avery (pity about the spelling) that climate change is to blame for a drop in the number of some birds that visit Britain each winter.

And what drew Edward Funnell to the Comms department at ATOC – the Association of Train Operating Companies? Sean Trainor at Network Rail might be able to shine a light on that one.

And finally to Malcolm Weatherall, Public Weather Service Consultant at the Met Office…