Writing for the Media - Getting it Just Right

Government servants and public officers are used to writing reports and approval papers for their own authority and agencies. But when it comes to writing for an external organisation, particularly an adversarial media, they are either caught unaware or fumbled.

There are statements to make, and confidentiality to keep – striking the right balance will ensure that the interests of both newsmakers and news media are safeguarded. There are also preparations to be made, in terms of the resources to be made available and in what amount.

Let veteran editor show you the ropes in media management and reporter handling. As a trainer under the School of Journalism, subsequently Editorial Support Unit, in the Singapore Press Holdings, he has shown thousands of journalists and media relations officers how to go about their business professionally – and successfully.

Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Analyze the evolving landscape from mainstream to social media.
• Formulate effective media plans for interviews and press conferences.
• Evaluate the proper use of media resources, like press kits.
• Perform spokesperson duties and manage a press conference effectively.

• Media Relations Officers
• Press Writers
• Experienced writers who want to learn more about the media

“Media Management? There’s only one person I will always go to - Sunny.”

- UOB Bank Group (Feb 2019)

“The Trainer is effective in delivering the course and his depth of knowledge in this area has facilitated it to be smooth running and paced suitably for learning. He has also included examples for the ease of our learning and applicability of the concepts.”

- LTA (Apr 2018)

“Sunny is one of the most dedicated and passionate lecturers I have come across. He is clear in his delivery and explanation, and weaves in real life examples of the concepts he teaches.”

- IPOS (Jan 2018)

“The course by Dr Sunny gives us very good overview, guidelines and examples of how to draft good public papers.”

- MINDEF (Aug 2018)

Dr. Sunny Goh – Communication Expert

Sunny is a Trainer of Trainers (TOT) and has taught many public comm coaches to teach copywriting. He was the editorial trainer at the School of Journalism, teaching cub reporters and designers on the techniques in slogan and headline writing. He also teaches interviewing techniques and news gathering skills at The Straits Times. As a volunteer, he was a Mediator with the Ministry of Law, a Council Member of the Singapore Red Cross Society and writes regularly for the local and regional media. He is currently board director of five international firms where clean communication is essential to winning contracts, clients and confidence.