Why politicians need media training

Some of my friends and colleagues, including George Dearsley, Andy Drinkwater and Frank Wintle, run 'handling the media courses'. They teach politicians, chief execs and others in the public eye how to deal with the ruthless questioning by media terriers such as Jeremy Paxman and John Humphrys. They show them what to expect, how to do their research and what not to do and say. It is an interesting way to make a living … but is it really necessary? Well, watch this amazing video here and draw your own conclusions. Enjoy. 

Has digital changed the art of headline writing?

Here is my latest article for InPublishing magazine - looking at the differences between writing headlines for print and online. There is some good insight by those who know, including Mail Online deputy publisher Pete Picton, Guardian backbencher Simon Ricketts, The Sun's Victoria Watson, the Indie's Martin King and media consultant Andy Drinkwater. If you have great eyesight you can read the print version by clicking on the images above or, if you prefer, you can read it online here. The headlines are the same in both versions. If you missed my last InPublishing article, on humour in newspapers, it's here.