Institution: Iowa Department of Public Health, Upper Midwest Center for Public Health Preparedness

Course Description: The course focuses on writing effective news releases, public service announcements, news advisories, and preparing for and conducting news briefings and news conferences.

Prerequisite: None.

CEUs: N/A

Course Objectives:  After completing this course the learner will be able to:

•  Discuss the importance of deadlines in different types of news release.
•  Describe who’s who in the newsroom.
•  Focus on newsworthy elements of the story by using clear and simple language and consistence in the style and usage.
•  List the eight properties of a news release.
•  Summarize and organize information in a manner that creates clear and accurate understanding.
•  Understand the use of the 5 W’s and the inverted pyramid style in newswriting
•  Write the lead, body and headline for a news release.
•  Explain the importance of quotations in a news release and use them in an appropriate manner.
•  Explain the review process for a news release.
•  Explain the dissemination process for a news release
•  Adequately prepare for follow-up questions from the media
•  Effectively monitor and analyze news reports, utilizing Rapid Response when appropriate
•  Develop talking points using the “message triangle”.
•  Describe the criteria used to select broadcast media stories
•  Describe four essential qualities contained in effective broadcast news stories
•  Write effective public service announcements.
•  Describe the difference between a news release and a news advisory; write an effective news advisory
•  Distinguish between a news release, a news conference and a news briefing
•  Prepare for and conduct a news conference or briefing.

Target Audience:  This course is intended for PIOs/PAOs who need to improve their skills in communicating with the public during an emergency.

Course Format: Online independent study, accessible at: http://www.prepareiowa.com/

Time Requirement: 2.5 hours

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