Public Information Officer Class

When the Media Call: Why Media Relations is Vital in Public Safety

The media will show up when there is a crash, fire, or other crisis incident. They'll also contact you to for a story to share vital safety information. Don't say "no comment" or not call them back. The media can be friends - not foes - with public safety. This is for anyone who is or can be a Public Information Officer (PIO), or who wants to be more comfortable talking with the media.

This 7-hour training includes:

• How the media works – print, broadcast, online – Understanding the media’s workflow and how you can use it to your advantage.
• 10 tips for working with the news media – How to help them help you and ensure fair coverage for your story.
• Managing your message – How to control a story and create three key points that get attention.
• Writing a news release – How to write a release that doesn’t miss the mark.
• Holding a news conference – How to set up, who to invite, where/when to hold.
• Media interviews/mock news conference exercise – Practical exercises and review.

Instructor: Megan Mulholland, APR, owner of Compass Communications LLC. With nearly 30 years of media and communications, Megan is certified the State of Wisconsin and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Center for Domestic Preparedness as a Public Information Officer. 

For the last five years, Megan has been director of marketing and communications for the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. For nearly 17 years, she managed external communications for the healthcare system ThedaCare. She was communicator of the year for PRSA-NEW in 2015, the year she was the PIO during a mass shooting in the Fox Cities. Megan is also a former news reporter with experience in newspaper and radio.