Request media release editing and distribution

The Communication team reviews and distributes all UQ media releases in line with the:

Communications and Public Comment Using The University of Queensland's Name Policy
Communications and Public Comment Using The University of Queensland's Name Procedure.

All requests for UQ media releases take into consideration the audience for the story and whether it is suitable for mainstream or niche media outlets. M&C will provide advice on the best media approach, working with researchers and communication staff in faculties and institutes.

Those requests which are not suitable for general media distribution may be redirected to faculty web pages, social media, UQ Update or other appropriate communication channels.

Each request is assessed for consideration for UQ News and/or distribution to media. In assessing requests, the team will consider whether the content is suitable for mainstream or niche media, newsworthy, and suitable for UQ News. Please follow the process below to submit a media release request for consideration:

For UQ researchers, students and alumni

For UQ communications staff

Note: Centres and schools are asked to approach their faculty and institute communications team in the first instance for media release submission

If your request is urgent, please phone the on-call media officer on 0429 056 139.

Step 1. Familiarise yourself with the UQ News Release Style Guide, and our procedures relating to embargoes, pitching, ministerial media releases, distribution outlets and editorial requirements.

Step 2. Consider whether the story is of interest to an external audience, and where in the media it would likely be covered. For example, will it be a story that will attract mainstream media coverage (ask yourself would The Courier-Mail or the evening news cover it) or will it be for a niche publication. (NB. If the story is for an internal audience, consider submitting it for inclusion in UQ Update.)

Step 3. Complete the Wrike media release request form, available to Wrike users through the portal or via the Wrike Media Request form link for non-Wrike users. Please ensure that the project follows the Wrike naming convention.

Required fields include:

Estimated publication date
Audience
Target media outlets
Contact details for spokespeople and their availability on the estimated publication date.

Step 4. The central Comms team will endeavour to assess the request and respond within 1 working day. They make ask for more information, or offer advice on the media approach.

Step 5. If the media request is approved:

Follow the steps in the Wrike project to draft and submit the media release as a word document with the same name as the Wrike project, ensuring that it is written in UQ News style. (Note the date format is yymmdd.)
Submit images, graphics or video to help tell the story. These should include a landscape ‘hero’ image optimised for web use and 640px wide. Provide a caption if necessary and source information.
The draft media release and accompanying images should be submitted at least 48 hours before it is expected to be distributed to media. But remember – longer lead times, lead to better outcomes.

Step 6. The M&C Communication team will edit the release for style and clarity to improve the likelihood of achieving media coverage, and send the updated version to the submitter for sign off. Further changes will be considered where spokespeople consider the editing process has introduced inaccuracies or removed vital context.