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Media advice for Monash staff

The first thing you should do if contacted by the media is contact the Media Communications unit or phone +61 3 9903 4840. Staff in the media unit are all trained journalists and can help university staff determine the most suitable media, when stories should be released and the best angle for potential stories.

Advice on dealing with the media

Have you got something that may be of interest to the media?

Potential stories could include:

  • Public talk, ie conference, public speech, major event
  • New research
  • Response to current issue
  • Opinion piece

We can help identify whether your potential story is suitable for an internal or external audience and whether it should run in Monash Memo, Monash News, Monash Magazine, VoiCE and/or the general media.

Our team works with university staff putting together stories for inhouse publications and media releases to send to the broader media, we can also alert the university's media monitors to track the amount of media coverage given to stories.

Have you been contacted by the media to comment on the issue of the day?

Monash staff are encouraged to speak to the media on their areas of expertise, however if you are unsure or don't feel comfortable speaking to the media contact the media office for advice.

Things to remember when talking to the media:

  • What are the key messages you would like to convey?
  • Who do you want to communicate with -- staff, students, general public?
  • Be prepared -- organise what you would like to say, find out information about the interview beforehand ie is it for radio, is it in response to a government report, overseas research?
  • Make sure your statements are accurate and qualified.
  • Keep stories and comments simple -- avoid jargon.
  • If you are not comfortable answering a question, don't answer, say "That is not my area" or "I have no comment".
  • Stick to comments within your area of professional expertise.
  • You could be quoted at any time for anything you say in public.
  • The university's key values: Excellence in education, research and scholarship and management; Innovation and creativity; Diversity; International focus; Fairness; Engagement; Integrity; and Self-reliance.

This is also available as a word document, Advice on dealing with the media (doc 45kb)

For more information contact:

Media Office
Phone: +61 3 9903 4840