New paper from member asks whether media training benefits the press

Many news sources take part in media training programs to help sharpen their interview skills. Is that a good thing for reporters?

A newly published position paper by long-time former National Press Club Governor Ed Barks argues that media training works to the benefit of both journalists and the spokespeople they cover.

Barks writes that the aim of the paper, “Common Ground: How Media Training Benefits the Press," is to “facilitate better understanding among newspeople and their sources.”

Barks does this by posing 10 questions along with responses designed to foster “a healthier atmosphere for both spokespeople and the reporters who cover them.”

The new resource is available at no cost.

In a related note, Barks has opened the vault to all of his research reports and position papers. As he notes on his website, “I’m in a place in my career where I choose to give away these resources with no strings attached in hopes [readers] will put them to good use and share them generously with [their] colleagues.”

For more details, contact Barks at (703) 533-0403 or via email at [email protected].