Many researchers have had uncomfortable experiences with the press. "They got it completely wrong, which embarrassed me"; "I didn't actually say that"; "I was quoted out of context". These are the sorts of complaints that are often voiced.

A better understanding of how reporters and the press work will help scientists avoid many of the common pitfalls.

I am able to organise informal workshops to give researchers a clearer idea of what is going on at the other end of the phone when someone calls from the Daily Planet asking for a few minutes.

Topics include:

• National vs local vs specialist press
• Avoiding pitfalls
• "Can I see the story before you publish it?"
• What does 'off the record' actually mean?
• How to get a journalist interested in a story
• What sort of information a journalist is seeking
• How best to target a story at a particular publication