Media experts share journalism insights

Having successfully organised enriching talk series and workshops on English Language Teaching and Learning as well as on topics related to Communication, UTAR’s Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL) under the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) organised another valuable workshop titled “Media Relations Workshop” on 3 March 2016 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

Krishnamoorthy with the participating students

Producer for Al Jazeera Malaysia in English K. Parkaran and Professional Journalist and Media Consultant M. Krishnamoorthy had a lively interaction session with a group of 30 English Language students from the FAS.

The four-hour workshop was further broken into three parts, namely, ‘Shaping Your Message Directed at Your Market’, ‘Writing for Media: How to Write a Press Release’, and ‘Media Interview Preparation and Actual Interview’.

Parkaran (left) and Krishnamoorthy explaining the do’s and don’ts when dealing with reporters

The two experienced journalists gave tips on how to get exclusive stories, shape key messages, and the do’s and don’ts on how to deal with the media. Both speakers also emphasised on the need for freedom of the media and the pursuit of truth during their inspiring talk.

“To get scoop stories, reporters sometimes have to be cunning and selfish,” said Krishnamoorthy.

Parkaran said reporters should “do whatever it takes to get a scoop without hurting anyone”. Besides that, he explained how it actually works in the journalism field and how a journalist can make use of the code of ethics.

Apart from the journalism field, the speakers also spoke regarding the field of public relations. They advised the students to put their best foot forward when facing the media and learn the best ways to garner better publicity for their organisation, especially through the writing of effective and winning press releases.

Apart from writing effective press releases, the workshop also covered on how to prepare and engage oneself in an actual media interview. The speakers advised the students to be clear of the interview objectives; know the key messages to highlight and techniques to help control nervous energy.  

Role play for actual media interview session in progress

Year Three Trimester Three English Language student Kok Shun Hong said, “This is a good opportunity for all of us to gain professional insights from the media experts who bring decades of media experience.”

Another participant, Jasmine Chuah Hui Ling said, “Overall it was an excellent platform for all of us to learn and grab the two-in-one knowledge involving journalism and public relations. The workshop covered topics on how to face the media and navigate hostile press conferences, answer tricky questions, manage ambush interviews, and many more.  Though it’s just a half-day workshop, yet we had so much of fun learning, especially during the actual media interview role play session.”

Krishnamoorthy worked as a full time journalist with the Malaysian press for over 30 years. As an investigative reporter, Krishna highlighted society’s concerns. He has had the highest number of front page breaking news articles in The Star. In addition to being a trainer, he currently freelances as a fixer/coordinator for Al Jazeera, CNN, BBC, the New York Times, TIME magazine, and German and Australian TV networks. He is a media relations strategist and Human Resources Development Fund certified professional trainer.

Meanwhile, Parkaran is a senior researcher and producer of Al Jazeera English TV who has spent over 30 years in the field of journalism, from mainstream to independent media organisations. Beginning his career as a journalist, he then started climbing up the career ladder and managed to reach the rank of deputy news editor in 2003. He was formerly with The Star and joined Al Jazeera as a researcher and producer in 2007.

Dean of FAS Dr Alia Azalea presenting a token of appreciation to Krishnamoorthy (left) and Parkaran