The Media Spokesperson Training (Disabled People’s Organisations) is a three half-day program for disabled people who are seeking to comment in the media on issues connected to disability justice and economic justice, whether as grassroots activists or as part of a Disabled Peoples’ Organisation.
The training provides you with the vital media communications skills to maximise campaign success including media theory, practical interview simulations, a deep-dive into the media landscape, practical case studies, building compelling frames and developing effective media strategies, as well as addressing the specific issues faced when commenting on disability justice issues in the media.
Upon completion participants have the opportunity to join the Economic Media Centre’s spokesperson network, and receive ongoing support from the Economic Media Centre.
This training is delivered online as part of the work of the Economic Media Centre.
This training is now full, however we are maintaining a waitlist for any places that become available closer to the date. Register below to join the waitlist.
OUTCOMES / SKILLS
Understanding Australia’s media landscape
What makes a story newsworthy
How to frame your issue and create strong campaign messages
How to prepare and pitch media stories
Delivering your message – practical on-camera interview practice
Draft your own campaign media strategy
Understanding media reporting on disability justice and common issues that can arise in interviews and media stories
This training provides you with the vital media communications skills including media theory, practical interview simulations, a deep-dive into the media landscape, practical case studies, building compelling frames and developing effective media strategies.
DATES
Wednesday, May 25 — 10:00AM to 1:30PM AEST
Thursday, May 26 — 10:00AM to 1:30PM AEST
Friday, May 27 — 10:00AM to 1:30PM AEST
Each day of the training will include two breaks (15 minutes and 30 minutes).
If you are interested in alternative dates, please email us here and we will be in touch.
COST:
The Media Spokesperson Training is offered at no cost, and is designed for people with disability who are seeking to comment in the media on issues of disability justice.
We especially encourage disabled people who are also First Nations people, refugees and people seeking asylum, people of colour and/or unwaged change makers to apply.
ACCESSibility:
This training will be delivered online on Zoom. Full accessibility documentation for Zoom can be found here; including list of keyboard shortcuts here.
Please let us know any access needs when submitting your expression of interest, so that we can organise anything needed so that you are able to fully participate in the training.
LEAD FACILITATORs
Jessica Kendall
Founding Co-Director, Economic Media Centre
Jessica has 20 years experience in media and public affairs. As Associate Director of Essential Media Communications, she managed a team of media consultants delivering daily media wins on a diverse array of issues including climate, mental health, education, youth justice, family violence, workplace relations, infrastructure and human rights. Jessica has a strong background in political media strategy and delivering one-on-one media coaching for high-profile political candidates and CEOs. She has managed media for state and federal election campaigns. Jessica is on the board of the Human Rights Law Centre and co-chairs the Fair Agenda board.
Aliya Ahmad
Co-Director, Economic Media Centre
Aliya is a media campaigner with deep experience shifting media narratives. As Senior Media Adviser at the Victorian peak body for homelessness, Aliya led a media campaign that delivered the largest social housing investment in Victoria in decades. As Communications Director at Democracy in Colour Aliya delivers media training for spokespeople and provides messaging advice for key campaigns. Aliya is a member of the Board at Switchboard Victoria and is part of the National Media Engagement Advisory Group for Media Making Change at Our Watch. Aliya was also an inaugural fellow for the Young Muslim Campaigning Fellowship and designed a Women of Colour Campaigning Fellowship as part of an award from FYA and Victoria’s Office for Women.
El Gibbs
Writer and Disability Activist
El Gibbs is an award-winning writer with a focus on disability and social issues. She was previously the Director, Media and Communications for People with Disability Australia, and is a member of both PWDA and Women with Disabilities Australia. El is a member of the Disability Leadership Institute. Each of these organisations are run by, led by and work for disabled people.