Welcome to the new Media First website and I thought I would start off with a very seasonal example of how not to handle the media! A couple of days a go there was a small story running about a new 'Lapland experience' opening in the Dorset. Their website claimed to show beautiful snowy scenes and the chance to see rheindeer and huskies in action. However this was not the case and so many of the public complained about the lack of snow and festive feel to the place and the cost.. that the local TV picked up on it - Noone from the company came out to defend their position and so yes you've guessed it the next day both BBC and ITV were running the story - nationwide - now trading standards and the RSPCA are investigating !!! Ignore the media and you will always get burned!

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.