Why publicity? Attract students Attract funding Attract research partners Attract new staff Enhance the reputation of the University as a centre of excellence.

Why publicity?

• Attract students

• Attract funding

• Attract research partners

• Attract new staff

• Enhance the reputation of the University as a centre of excellence.

Research or event?

• Publicity splits roughly into two categories

• Research stories

• Events

Events stories

• Prize givings

• Workshops with other organisations

• Visits from celebrities, MPs etc.

• These will gain you LOCAL publicity

Research stories

• Murray Watson’s English immigrants work

• Rhona Dolev’s terrorism and children

• Victor’s online Scots dictionary

These have something new to say and challenge the status quo – attracting wider and possibly NATIONAL publicity.

Some recent stories

• Trevor Harley on psychology of love – hits in Financial Times, P&J, Courier, Radio Tay.

• Rona Dolev on terrorism and children – hits in Herald, Courier, Reporting Scotland, BBC online, Scottish TV, Radio Scotland, Wave 102, Radio Tay, Kingdom FM, Real Radio, and River FM.

• Scots online dictionary – hits in Sunday Times, All Scottish radio stations, Scotsman, Herald, P&J, Courier, Newsnight, Grampian TV and more.

Spotting a story

• Is it original?

• Is it a first in the world, UK, Scotland?

• Does it have implications for the public?

• Furthering of knowledge is good, but discoveries with major implications make big headlines.

• Is it quirky?

How to channel your stories

• Call or email the Press Office. A press officer will advise on the strength and likely coverage of your story and prepare it for release to the media.

• Fill in the media guide form.• Email any events to

[email protected]• Consider identifying a press office contact

person in your department.

Fielding coverage

• If you have a strong media line, the press officer will prepare a press release and issue it on a day you are available for interview.

• More complicated or subtle stories can be dealt with by inviting a journalist to visit and interview you.

• Intensive media training is available – book your place with Head of Press.