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Press and media

Engaging with the media is a key opportunity to promote your work to the wider public.

The Media and Research Communications team nurture positive relationships with journalists in local, national, international and specialist media. They can offer advice on the outlets that are most appropriate for your story, connect you with colleagues who can offer additional advice, and support with publicising:

  • Research findings
  • Significant awards and achievements
  • Visits from local, regional and national government representatives and key funders

Key contacts

Alistair Keely

Head of Media and Research Communications

Samantha Martin

Deputy Head of Media Relations (job share)

Shelley Hughes

Deputy Head of Media Relations (job share)

Developing your story

Initial stages

Contact pressoffice@york.ac.uk at the earliest possible stage of your story, even if you’re uncertain about whether your research or event might interest the media. If it sounds like a media release is an appropriate avenue, a member of the team will talk with you to gain background material.

It's helpful to think about pictures and try to have a good selection of high-resolution images ready. Interesting images, video or sound are just as effective at attracting media attention as words on a page. 

Sign off

Please let us know at the start of the process of any stakeholders that will need to sign off a press release (eg funding bodies) so that they can be contacted in plenty of time and avoid delaying the process.

After gathering material from you, a press officer will draft your media release and send it to you to check.

The sign-off stage can sometimes take a while, depending on the number of stakeholders that need to see it. The final version of the release will be approved by the press office. Alongside this, a distribution list will be prepared that is tailored to your release. 

Additional support and media training

The team can also provide guidance and preparation ahead of scheduled interviews. Contact pressoffice@york.ac.uk to arrange a training session.

Difficult situations and crises

The Media and Research Communications team can offer advice and guidance about responding to negative, difficult or sensitive enquiries from journalists, breaking difficult news, handling crises or unwelcome social media interest.