Courses launch to help journalists make leap into PR

JOURNALISTS thinking of making the leap into PR are being given the chance to learn how best to do it, by a Fife-based PR agency.

Integris Communications has launched the Media Communications Academy, a new company built on the belief that there are significant career and business opportunities in PR and which says its courses will give journalists the tools to make the leap successfully.

The MCA offers three courses; the first is a half-day primer for graduates in media, marketing and journalism, the second a day-long insight into life in PR and the third – also a day long – an examination of how to set up and run a PR agency. They are priced at £780, £1,250 and £1,550 respectively.

Integris was set up just over a year ago by former Financial Times, London Evening Standard and The Banker journalist, Mike Reynolds, who has several years PR experience. Joining him at the start of the year was Guy Robb, who specialises in technology marketing.

The MCA was launched last night at the first Edinburgh meeting of the Scottish Press Club, which was addressed by journalist-turned-MSP, Joan McAlpine.

Said Reynolds: “The Scottish Press Club meeting was the ideal vehicle for launching the MCA; we believe the demand for PR remains strong across every sector and our courses give delegates the vital skills, tools and know-how to build a successful PR career or set up and run their own successful agency.”

Participants receive, among other things, a free tablet PC, containing all course materials, plus a website template and content management system.

For more details, visit www.mediacommunicationsacademy.co.uk