How Sunny Media has changed how I experience and interact with news and the media

Insights from Bridget McCulloch, Sunshine Coast University Student and Sunny Media Intern…

A few months ago, social media, television morning shows and other people were my main outlets for consuming the news, never had I thought of actually picking up a newspaper.

Since undertaking work experience with Sunny Media, news and the media has become a whole lot more valuable to me.

I interpret, access and absorb news in a whole new range of ways, and I’ve learnt extensively about the process and production behind the way news is put together for consumers.

I have been learning in great detail about the development of media releases, media contact lists, and the importance of research and background information to support these.

I’ve also recently attended a media launch for a major redevelopment on the Sunshine Coast and gained great insight into how the launch is run, how interviews are conducted, and how the outcomes of the launch are distributed.

Not only was it extremely valuable to experience this first hand, but to be a part of and see the importance of the planning and coordinating of a media launch is imperative to my future career in the industry.

QA have exposed me to a significant range of real life experiences that have already, and will continue to support my knowledge of the industry and my opportunities within an advertising career.

So in a nutshell, here’s the tops five things I’ve learnt about generating publicity:

  1. Make sure you have a newsworthy angle to pitch to the media
  2. Prepare a high quality media release with a good headline and quotes
  3. Ensure you have good interview and photo opportunities for the media
  4. The easier you make it for a journalist the better response you will get
  5. Understand who the key local journalists are and what they consider to be newsworthy.

Bridget McCulloch is a third year USC Bachelor of Communication Degree, with a major of Creative Advertising and minor of Graphic Design. She is the recipient of the inaugural 2014 Sunny Media USC School of Communication Bursary Award.

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Bridget’s behind the scenes look at a news interview.

Sunny Media bursary helps kick-start my advertising career

Bridget McCulloch

Over the past three years I have studied a Bachelor of Communication, with a Major in Creative Advertising and Minor in Graphic Design at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Earlier this year, through the university, I was lucky enough to receive the inaugural USC School of Communications Bursary that was funded by Sunny Media.

However, rather than just an exchange of money, QA went even further and generously offered me the opportunity to come into the office and experience the day to day operations of a full service advertising agency.

As most of my peers know, work experience is extremely hard to gain within the industry, especially on the Sunshine Coast, so I was ecstatic at the offer and keen to grab the opportunity with both hands!

Three months down the track, the work experience I have now undertaken with Sunny Media has been incredible. I’ve worked with their directors and other staff who have guided me through work with real clients, introduced me to numerous industry professionals, and exposed me to endless opportunities.

I have been working with a range of different clients, preparing anything from media releases to marketing plans. I am also helping to run social media accounts for a major Sunshine Coast development which is really exciting.

Through QA’s guidance and support I have been able to apply my knowledge and undertake real work before I’ve even finished my degree. I know this will give me a distinct advantage when I start applying for work.

With graduation quickly approaching, the work experience I have done with QA is a fantastic leverage to find a career within the industry. Not many other students gain the same opportunities so I am extremely thankful for all the support I’ve received.

I am completely inspired by everything I have experienced so far and it has vindicated my decision to pursue a career in advertising. I have very high ambitions for the future and thanks to QA and USC I am well positioned to enter the workforce.

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From Left, Peppi Bueti, Bridget McCulloch, Roger Delaney

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