Media Relations
Unlike many other agencies, we have years of direct broadcast experience motivating large audiences. What drives reporters, editors, media people to certain stories? How can you answer their questions effectively? We’ll make sure the story you want told is the one that gets told.
Media Training
Did you know…what someone says before TV cameras or to any reporter can affect a company’s reputation by as much as 50% or more! You don’t even want to know how much judgment is given to how one looks as he or she speaks. Given what’s at stake today with any number of rabid bloggers, media training is no longer a luxury; it is essential for anyone with consumers.
We provide:
• Message Development
• On-camera Training (with and without video playback analysis)
• Strategic Interview Response Techniques
• Crafting the soundbite and only the soundbite so you’re not taken out of context
Having worked on the media side for 16 years, we know how reporters and editors think. (They look for conflict; you are trying to avoid conflict!) With the right training, you can control what is put out to the world so that you are better prepared to respond appropriately if something should go awry.
Media Training Bootcamp
Public utilities are often the target of today’s investigative news reporter. Rate increases, misuse of taxpayer dollars and mistrust between board members, customers, and management are increasingly the cause of public attacks. Without proper media training, a good reporter will always trump and trap his interviewee. SEE WORKSHOPS
Talking to the Media Tipsheet
By Esty Atlas
Lots of well-known people you think of as extraverts hate public speaking. It’s not a normal activity for most people; it’s a learned activity. But, in today’s socially-empowered landscape where practically every word or action is publicly posted, an organization’s public reputation is on the firing line every day. Read More...
Testimonials
“As Senior Public Relations Advisor for Pioneer Natural Resources in Denver, I have retained the services of Hughes & Stuart for several projects regarding consumer outreach. One of the more challenging ones involved creating a near-real time water quality sampling and analysis website for the agricultural community and general public in southern Colorado. Our company has significant coal bed natural gas drilling operations in this area, often the target of extreme environmentalist and media attacks laden with false information.
More recently, Esty Atlas provided media training to me and one of our senior vice presidents which was very beneficial. We were taught how to explain complex issues in easy-to-understand statements and practice interview techniques on-camera in an effort to improve our public outreach efforts. For anyone talking to press and consumers, this is a very worthwhile service."
- Karen Brown, Senior Public Relations Advisor, Pioneer Natural Resources, Denver, CO
“Complex issues like the need to build a new water treatment plant is a good example of when media training is extremely beneficial to a District. This year, Esty helped strategize my talking points to both our customers and the press (which resulted in very positive reporting!) She led our educational outreach plan that included a narrated video tour of our existing 1958 WTP, comprehensive information for reporters and customers, and provided valued guidance that prepared me, and our entire District Board and staff, to proactively build consensus at two public meetings. I highly recommend every District receive media training and have a prepared action plan before a crisis develops; it certainly made a big difference for the Roxborough Water & Sanitation District and the continued success of our community.”
- Larry Moore, General District Manager, RWSD