Media Training 101: A Guide to Meeting the Press

Let's face it..negative word of mouth in any industry is a tough, tough killer. But while you can't afford for customers to say bad things about you or your company, noone can afford to have members of the media also plotting against them! Sally Stewart knows the media business and can help you save your business alot of grief by teaching you how to deal with the press effectively. Sally is a veteran journalist who worked for USA Today and covered many tough stories like the Los Angeles Riots and the OJ Simpson Double Murder Trial. In her book, "Media Training 101", Sally provides great strategies to combat reporters' built in prejudices and interest them in positively reflecting the work you are doing. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in media relations. John Darrell Sparks - Media Relations and Communications Specialist. [email protected]

This is a great book to read if you do not any experience with media relations. For example, it might be a good tool to use in media training within an organization. The author really takes a step-by-step approach to working with the press, which can easily be a frustrating process! My favorite section of the book talked about the importance of being respectfull of the media's time and needs. Overall, a great book that isn't stuffy or complicated ... just cuts straight to the point to get you in a good position with your local media.

PR can be the most effective guerilla marketing available to companies that are trying to capture a bigger piece of the pie in their niche. Ms. Stewart has taken away the fear any executive may feel in dealing with the media and PR by writing a logical step by step book. I can definitely testify that her professionalism and realism in how to deal with the media has had a major effect on our company.

This book gives you the essentials about dealing with the media, starting with interviews and calls from reporters. Sally Stewart, former journalist and PR practitioner, delivers the nitty-gritty. Her advice to recognize reporters' financial and emotional pressures is particularly useful. Reporters have two clear priorities, she says, to write good stories and to go home. If you want their good will, try a little respect, she suggests, although she displays considerable cynicism and negativity about them. Her lessons include getting reporters to pay attention and which reporters to contact and how, be it by phone, e-mail or fax. Stewart tells you how to deal with unexpected calls from the press, and how to decide whether or not you want to be part of a story. If you do, here's how to make the most of it. And if you don't, this book tells you how to extricate yourself, if possible. Along the way Stewart explains how to dress for a television appearance. If this paragraph mentions any core skill you don't already have, we have a newsflash for you: get the book.

I highly recommend Media Training 101. This book guided me through a seemingly impossible situation. I felt as if I could reach out and call the author herself. I read it cover to cover and feel as if I won the lottery!