Media Relations
Public Information Office
The Public Information Office works to increase awareness and understanding of the mission and ministries of The United Methodist Church through the dissemination and placement of news and information through the secular and religious media, including newspapers, radio, television and magazines. This is accomplished by:
- linking journalists seeking a United Methodist perspective with experts on church issues in the U.S. and around the globe,
- maintaining the United Methodist Press Center, an online resource for news media located at http://www.umcpresscenter.org,
- providing consultative services such as media strategy planning, public relations and crisis communications assistance to church agencies and annual conferences,
- training church leaders and communicators on how to become skilled, articulate spokespersons, as well as how to handle crisis prevention, response and communication.
United Methodist Fact Check
InfoServ, the official information service of The United Methodist Church
Training
United Methodist Communications offers live training opportunities to hone your communications skills as a spokesperson and during a crisis.
Spokesperson Skill Development: Communicating Through the News Media This workshop is a must for anyone who speaks to the news media. This highly interactive one-and-a-half day seminar will help you develop basic skills for communicating effectively with print, radio and television reporters. You will learn to create a positive image of your organization, control your message, and use hands-on learning methods to become a more confident and articulate spokesperson.
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Crisis Planning and Response: Communicating Under Pressure This highly interactive workshop focuses on effective crisis communications—both internal and external—and development of essential skills for successfully handling media interviews during a crisis. It also provides in-depth information on crisis planning, prevention and response. This one-and-a-half day workshop is vital for anyone whose responsibility includes identifying and responding to a crisis, and who may speak directly to the news media.
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