Course Description:

Effective communication with the public is a crucial aspect of any transportation agency’s work, and local media can be a valuable ally in that effort. However, navigating relationships with media outlets can be challenging. This webinar aims to provide practical strategies for building strong and collaborative relationships with journalists and news organizations.

Whether your past experiences with media outlets have been positive or challenging, this session will equip you with tools to enhance outreach and effectively convey your agency’s message. By gaining a better understanding of how the media operates and their needs, agencies can improve public trust, increase transparency, and ensure that their initiatives are accurately represented.

Learning Objectives:

1. Who is your audience, and what they need from you
2. Identify the best ways to communicate and connect with your audience
3. Learn the best format for news releases and interviews

Intended Audience:
This training is ideal for public information officers, communication specialists, transportation agency staff, local government officials, project managers, and anyone involved in public engagement or community relations.

Pre-Requisites:
None

Credits:
1.5 PDH

Instructor:
Kevin Elliott, Applied Research Associates

Sponsor:
This workshop is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and New Jersey Department of Transportation through the New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program.