The Conversation - sharing opinions on topical news
Tue, 24 May 2016 02:00:00 BST
University wants academics and researchers to take part
THE Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public in a series of blog-style articles.
Their aim is to give the public, and journalists, access to independent, high-quality and trustworthy articles written by the UK’s fantastic research community. The Independent gave a glowing report on The Conversation and the effect it is having on journalism today.
Various academics from the University of Huddersfield have contributed articles. These have since been republished in the Daily Mail, Independent, Guardian, New Statesman, as well as other websites around the world, thus gaining global and high-quality coverage for individual authors as well as the University.
However, we are seeking more writers to come forward, including PhD researchers and early career academics, to work with their team of professional editors to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public.
The way it works
Every morning The Conversation sends out a daily expert request to media teams within universities across the country, who then distribute accordingly to the relevant research areas within their institution. These are usually on popular news topics of the day, sometimes with tight deadlines and are commissioned on a first-come first-served basis.
However, The Conversation does understand that tight deadlines can be a problem for academics, especially if they are teaching throughout the day, so there is also a function where you can pitch an idea for an article using a short application form.
You retain full control over what is being published as writing content for The Conversation enables you to sign off on your articles. Even the headlines require your approval.
Xavier Zapata is a Broadcast Journalist who works for BBC Radio 4 on The World at One and PM programme and commented on why the BBC likes to source experts from The Conversation. “The Conversation enriches the way we tell our stories,” he said. “It provides deeper angles, helps us frame our editorial questions and most importantly points us toward new voices that we want to put on the radio. It’s a valuable resource.”
For further information about writing for them, or if you would like to receive a writing guide on the style and tone of voice required, then please contact Nicola Werritt in the Public Relations Office on n.c.werritt@hud.ac.uk or ring 01484 473315.
You can also watch a video from academics explaining the positive aspects of writing for The Conversation.
- The Conversation launched in Australia in March 2011, in the UK in May 2013 and 2016 saw the launch of The Conversation in France.
- The Conversation is a free resource: free to read (they never go behind a paywall), and free to share or republish under Creative Commons icensing. They also provide an indispensable media resource: providing free content, ideas and talent to follow up for press, web, radio or TV.
