Media Policy

Document Number	000894
Date Approved	25 March 2009

1.      Introduction

The media provides an important platform for the University of Newcastle to promote its achievements. To maximise media impact, it is essential that the University builds and maintains relationships with local, national and international media. 

This Media Policy provides a framework for interaction with the media. It is supported by the University of Newcastle Media Procedures and should be read in conjunction with that document.

2.      Policy Intent

This policy provides a framework for comments and statements by University staff and students that have the potential to reach the larger community via the media.

University staff are actively encouraged to speak to the media about their achievements and make public comments within their area of expertise.  University students are also encouraged to speak to the media about their achievements.

3.      Policy Scope

This policy applies to verbal and written comments to the media, public speaking engagements, and media releases.

4.      Relevant definitions

In the context of this policy:

University spokesperson means a staff member authorised by the University to speak to the media or make public comments on behalf of the University.

expert commentator means a staff member or student who, as a result of their area of expertise, is authorised by the University to speak to the media or make public comments in on issues in their field.

area of expertise means an area in which a staff member or a student have been peer-reviewed or published.

University media release means a document provided to the media on the University’s media release template quoting an authorised University spokesperson or expert commentator.

In the case of University of Newcastle medical and health research, it may mean a document provided to the media on Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI’s) media release template, quoting an authorised University spokesperson or expert commentator.

media statement is a written (for example letters to the editor, opinion pieces) or verbal comment provided to the media by a University spokesperson or expert commentator.

public comment includes comments under the name of the University which may reach the community.

5.      University spokesperson

1. Only authorised staff may represent the University of Newcastle’s corporate position on matters of interest to the media and/or via public comment.
2. Authority to speak on behalf of the University is stipulated in the Delegations Policy 000083.

6.      Expert comment

1. In engaging with the media, expert commentators can expect the support of the University. This does not imply endorsement of a particular view put forward, but means that their right to speak as a University staff member in their area of expertise will be upheld.
2. The University recognises and respects the concept of academic freedom. It expects that staff and students will accept the responsibility that academic freedom imposes: to ensure that information provided to the media and public is supported by peer-reviewed evidence.

7.      Essential supporting documents

Delegations Policy: Media, Branding and Advertising Delegations

The University of Newcastle Code of Conduct

The University of Newcastle Complaint Policy

The University of Newcastle Media Procedures

8.      Related documents

Critical Incident Management – Communication Protocol

Hunter Medical Research Institute Communications Protocol

Research Publication Responsibility Guidelines

 

Approval Authority	Vice-Chancellor
Date Approved	25 March 2009
Policy Sponsor	Vice-Chancellor
Policy Owner	Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Policy Contact	Manager, Media and Public Relations