Your Research and the Media: An Introduction and Guide for Historians
2.00-3.15 pm, Wednesday 21 June 2023, online
With Dr Tom Almeroth-Williams (Communications Manager, Arts & Humanities Research, Cambridge University)
Chaired by Julian Wright (Secretary for Professional Engagement, Royal Historical Society)
Watch the recording of this event
How do you prepare to bring your research to bigger audiences through the media?
This Royal Historical Society workshop offers a practical guide to promoting your research via the media. The workshop is presented by Tom Almeroth-Williams, a communications specialist in arts and humanities research, as well as a published historian and Fellow of the Society. Attendance at this event is reserved for members of the Royal Historical Society.
The session will take you through different scenarios and stages of the process from identifying a potential news story in a forthcoming research paper or book, to responding to media coverage.
Topics covered will include pitching to an HE institution’s communications team; writing an effective press release yourself; providing assets including images; setting embargoes, contacting journalists; answering enquiries, giving interviews and seeking corrections.
The 75-minute event is divided into two parts: i. Identifying a story and preparing to pitch; and ii. Approaching and working with the media.
Questions will be invited from the audience after each section, and you can submit questions for consideration in advance. Though the workshop is unable to consider individual cases, the discussion will offer attendees a guide on what to expect and do when communicating your research via the media.
About the speaker
Dr Tom Almeroth-Williams is Communications Manager (Research, Arts & Humanities) for the University of Cambridge. In this role he publicises a wide range of research, including the work of historians, and offers media training. For this RHS workshop, Tom will share his advice on best communicating historical research to the broadest audiences.
As well as a communications specialist, Tom is also a historian of early modern Britain, a Fellow of the RHS, and author of City of Beasts. How Animals Shaped Georgian London (Manchester University Press, 2019). Prior to his present role, Tom worked in press and communications for organisations including The National Gallery and Historical Royal Palaces.
Julian Wright is Professor of History at the University of Northumbria and the RHS’s Secretary for Professional Engagement. In this role Julian oversees the Society’s provision of professional support and training for UK historians at all career stages.
Joining the Royal Historical Society
If you would like to join the Royal Historical Society — as a Fellow, Associate Fellow, Member or Postgraduate Member — please see our Join Us pages for information on membership categories, what RHS membership offers, and how and when to apply.
Watch the recording of this event
More on the Royal Historical Society’s events programme, 2023 >