Teaching Effective Media Relations to NGOs, PLHIV and Government Communications Officials: A Manual for Trainers

This manual is intended to help train non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in HIV-related fields and people living with HIV (PLHIV) networks to work effectively with the media. By the end of the training workshop, participants are expected to better understand what journalists are looking for and how to properly interact with the media. The manual is based on Internews Network’s Local Voices Training Curriculum that was developed by the Kenya Local Voices Program which took place from 2003-2005. It is a training method that Internews found worked well in Kenya, Nigeria, and India.

The manual consists of a 5-day step-by-step training agenda (possible to modify for a 4-day training by slightly shortening all the sessions). The training modules are designed to be practical and to allow participants to apply their newly acquired skills during the workshop. Participants are required to organise an actual media event for the last day of their training, which allows them to gain real-life experience organising a media event. It also serves as an opportunity for participants to interact socially and to develop relationships with participating journalists.