Media Relations Unit
The Media Relations Unit serves as the point of contact for members of the press and other media representatives. It is responsible for the image of the University by gaining publicity and disseminating information to members of the press and other media representatives. It usually liaises with the media, organise meetings and develop press contacts. The main functions of the Unit are:Â The Department collaborates closely with the of Departments within the Division in the performance of its functions.
The functions of the Department include:
- Systematically monitor and analyse media content on the University and any other issue that may be of relevance to the Univeristy and submit issues briefing notes to senior managers.
- Gather newspaper cuttings on higher education-related news, newspaper reviews, broadcast materials and press releases
- Identify and tell the success stories of students, faculty, and the institution through news gathering, news writing, and editing stories of events and issues of the University
- Contribute to the management of content for the university's website and social media handles
- Monitor public opinion to identify trends and measure public acceptability of the institution’s activities as well as identify public concerns and expectations.
- Collaborate to research, write and distribute press releases to targeted media
- Provide press coverage for University programmes
- Collaborate to generate a positive vibe about the Univeristy to its publics
- Collaborate with University Relations and Protocols Department to answer enquires from the press and other media representatives
- Create communication channels to enhance the press and publicity function
- Develop and build relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts to ensure the promotion of the University's image
- Prepare media evaluation reports
- Arranging for press meetings, press conferences, and interviews
- Distribute press releases
- Inform members of the public as well as the press about media events and initiatives
- Lead a team to organise events and promotional activities
- Propose ideas proactively for more media coverage
- Develop and maintain close media relations across other divisions to improve press efforts
- Prepare and assemble press/media kits
- Coordinate media buys and reserve advertising space with appropriate media outlets
- Support media publications and other related documents
News Section
The News Unit has the responsibility for gathering news and information to keep the University community and its publics informed about events and developments and to tell the success stories of the University. It gathers information through varied sources to generate compelling stories to be relayed to the University's publics.
- Collect information on university activities or events to report accurate and timely news
- Talk to sources, follow up on leads, check facts and research to write and edit stories and articles for the university's website, social media, and other outlets
- Generate new and interesting stories on relevant topics in relation to the university and its publics
- Play an active role in gathering information for the purpose of keeping the university's publics informed on important events
- Cover university events and activities from different angles
- Conduct research and interviews to gather information, and write news stories or articles
- Take photographs for their stories
- Prepare reports to keep the public informed about daily happenings in the university
- Analyse and collect information from various sources and news briefings to prepare news reports
- Coordinate with news editor and fellow reports to develop story ideas and compile appropriate reports
- Analyse and ensure accurate and crisp news reporting to avoid ambiguity and redundancy
- Coordinate with the graphic design unit to obtain visual elements for each story with appropriate photos or graphics
- Administer all news writings to beat deadlines
- Maintain knowledge of the latest events and news to obtain coverage of important and pertinent issues
- Manage staff photographers for all university events
- Maintain relationships with all news sources on daily basis to develop story ideas and compile appropriate reports