Sam McAlister

People Want real Change - Sunak v Starmer: Green groups call on broadcasters to ensure climate change features in TV debates: https://lnkd.in/eqxDwp3N #elections #UK #UKelections #TVdebates #climatechange

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Lesson 112 🕊 Workbook Review III 📖 Read this lesson along with David Hoffmeister here👇 https://lnkd.in/eueKwDEp

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After a couple of years of research and consultation, the new CAP guidelines on podcast advertising are here... https://lnkd.in/eak3XU_a Set to fully take effect from 16th August, all advertising communications within a podcast must now feature clear signposting to make them obviously identifiable as such. The ASA suggests the use of terms such as 'This is an advertisement for...' or 'our sponsor today is...', although it's not an exhaustive list and they will take into account the full context of an ad when considering if it has breached the code. Sound effects and clearly marked breaks from the main content are also suggested as ways to clearly distinguish commercial content from editorial. Interestingly, for video podcasters, it highlights the need to ensure that host reads included within the video version of a podcast should adhere to the relevant CAP guidelines for that medium. How have you been handling commercial signposting until now? Does this actually change anything?

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Three takeaways from the mayoral elections (beyond the obvious)... 👇 If you're as into local politics as I am, no doubt you've spent the weekend binge-consuming podcasts and other analysis of last week's local and mayoral elections. Naturally, in a General Election year, most of the discussion has focused on what the results could mean for a national vote, but here are my three other takeaways: ♀ Progress on mayoral gender equality - before last Thursday, there were more UK metro mayors called Andy than there were female mayors. But now, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, the country's first woman elected metro mayor, has been joined by Kim McGuinness in the North East and Claire Ward in the East Midlands. That's still only 25% of the total (and notably Sadiq Khan remains the country's only mayor from an ethnic minority background), but progress is still welcome. Diversity in political leadership leads to different thinking, solutions and outcomes - as Mayor Brabin's focus on safety for women and girls in her Policing Plan shows. As a country we need to do more to encourage people from all backgrounds into politics and local and mayoral government provide a ideal route in. 😐 Disillusionment with the status quo? The steep rise in support for independent and other candidates could be indicative of wider public disengagement in mainstream politics and the two main parties especially. Granted, these results won't be repeated in a General, but combined with reduced voter turnout in many places, it's another sign that people are fed up with our current politics and are looking for real change. If I were a Labour or Conservative politician, I'd be putting democratic renewal and meaningful engagement with the public near the top of my agenda. Corrosion of trust in politicians in the long-term can only be damaging to our democracy and all parties. 🏘 The rise and rise of devolution? Although turnout remains far lower than ideal, this was the first year that the national media and political commentariat really gave mayoral elections the emphasis they deserve. The gripping late result in the West Mids and the sliver of silver lining that Ben Houchen's re-election in the Tees Valley gave an embattled PM all added to the political theatre. Indeed, much has been made of the fact that Lord Houchen's re-election was the result of his personal record of delivery locally, rather than (or despite of) his party affiliation. Both main parties (especially Labour since they now control 11/12 MCAs in England) need to see this as an opportunity to win back trust in politics. By devolving powers out of London to local leaders who can invest in what really matters to local people, voters can see the positive difference that politics can make in their communities and feel a greater stake in the system. Here's hoping for proper devolution that truly empowers places in the #GE2024 manifestos 🤞 #localelections #localgovernment #devolution Social

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Half-way through the UK election campaign period and with main party manifestos now unveiled, I had the privilege of joining the Politics Hub panel on Sky News. We delved into the latest polling, the state of the main party campaigns so far and explored the strategies they are expected to implement in the upcoming three weeks. Watch the full analysis here 👇Edelman Global Advisory .

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EXPERTSOURCES is ‘where journalists find people with expertise.’ Use www.expertsources.co.uk if you’re : Ø  A Journalist or Media Professional looking to increase your opportunities by quickly and easily finding real experts in real time; Ø  An Expert looking for the potential of gaining media exposure to further enhance your reputation, and revenue; www.expertsources.co.uk EXPERTSOURCES – ‘Where Journalists find People with Expertise.’ #Publicity #Media #MediaProfessionals #Journalist #Journalists #MediaExposure #Revenue #PR #PublicRelations #Expert #Experts #Charity #University #Business #Journalism #Editorial #Podcast #Vlog #Magazines #TV #Radio #SocialMedia #ROI #Business #StartUp #Entrepreneur #Success #BusinessSuccess #Revenue #YourDream #Reputation #Journalism Photo by Carlos Gil on Unsplash

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"Advertising is a potent tool and now is the time for us all to step up, recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to get ahead of disinformation. When information is delivered in a way that resonates with the audience, it can drive positive change. We can do three things: safeguard the public against misinformation by reaching them with a positive message, reframe by communicating the benefits of climate policy, or rebut misinformation with the relevant facts. The elections and the climate crisis will not wait, and neither can we. It’s time to act now," says Harriet Kingaby at ACT Climate Labs. Excellent piece c/o Sustainability Beat looking at why it’s important for climate communicators to help combat misinformation during the upcoming political elections. Well worth a read... 👇🏻 🌱 🗳️ https://lnkd.in/ehiCNDHw

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Lesson 131 🕊 No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth. 📖 Read this lesson along with David Hoffmeister here👇 https://lnkd.in/eAwK8R9X

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Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Outlines Key Priorities for the next West Midlands   As we approach the West Midlands Mayoral election on 2nd May 2024, FSB has put together a Mayoral Manifesto to help the candidates understand the challenges faced by our members across the West Midlands Combined Authority catchment area, namely; #Birmingham, #Solihull, #Coventry, #Wolverhampton, #Walsall, #Dudley and #Sandwell. This Manifesto outlines areas the Mayor could tackle to help aid small businesses and bolster inclusive growth. This year marks FSB’s 50th anniversary, having been established in 1974 to help our members succeed in business - we are a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by our members, for our members. In the #WestMidlands we are a trusted voice for small business with more than 10,000 members across the region. We aim to represent anyone and everyone running a business or with aspirations to start a business. With SMEs making up over 99.6% of the indigenous 254,640 enterprises in the West Midlands, 253,575 (99.6 per cent) are small and medium-sized enterprises and, of these, more than 84.2 per cent are sole traders and micro businesses (employing 0-9 employees), it’s easy to see that the West Midlands economy will not be able to boost productivity, tackle the climate emergency or have inclusive growth without small businesses. Small businesses are not only at the heart of the West Midlands economy, they are also at the heart of West Midlands communities. They create local jobs, grow and keep wealth within a local economy and provide vital local services. Our small businesses support communities in the good times and, as we have seen, stick around when the going is not so good. Our manifesto suggests ways that small businesses can help the Mayor create a thriving West Midlands, a successful economy and vibrant communities.   https://lnkd.in/e8ERHqh3 Linsey MIED Mike Goodall Lee Osborne Sue...Sue Tonks Hollie Whittles Rob Harrison Hemant Kalidas Ray Hickinbottom- Supporting Small Businesses Lianne Phillips FSB- Helping Small Businesses Grow Roger Poynton

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https://lnkd.in/eNJNpQ_N Major piece of research by Dr Nick Bowes FRSA FRGS Emily Clinton and Daniel Reast London Communications Agency into the possible number of London councillors and ex councillors who could end up on the green benches come 5 July published today by Ross Lydall in the Evening Standard Will it be good for London, especially when (or if) it comes to further devolution? And what will it mean for succession planning across London boroughs? We shall see.

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Beth ydy nod a rôl eich elusen chi? What are the aims and role of your charity? It's so fundamental that people outside understand who you are and what you do. But it's something that can get missed. Try using a 'vision' and 'mission' format, perhaps taking inspiration from these examples. There's more information via the link below - or let me know if you want freelance facilitation and support to help communicate your aims. Mae hyn mor ganolog i bob sefydliad, fel bod pobl tu allan yn deall yr hyn dych chi'n wneud a phwy ydych chi. Weithiau mae hyn yn cael ei anghofio, felly beth am ddefnyddio'r fformat yma? Mae rhagor o wybodaeth trwy'r linc isod. Neu rhowch wybod i fi os dych chi angen cefnogaeth er mwyn cyfathrebu eich amcanion yn well. https://lnkd.in/e2BpinKr #communications #strategy #charity

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At Purpose Union, our Executive Advocacy training service, SpeechMark, has worked with over 150 political candidates on hustings strategy and public persuasion. We always emphasise the point that debates matter. Tonight sees the first debate of the election between Sunak and Starmer. I'm sharing a few thoughts about what to look out for tonight. 1/Attack v Defence Sunak's approach to previous debates suggests he is more comfortable on the attack than defending his record as PM and Chancellor. Success for Starmer means blocking attempts from Sunak to pivot and ensuring that he pins down the prime minister so he responds to questions that he'll try to avoid. 2/The Interruption Game My hunch is that Sunak will try to interrupt Starmer a lot. He'll try to stop him from getting into a flow and use interruptions to put the opposition leader on the defensive. Sunak was rightly criticised in the leadership debates for repeatedly interrupting Liz Truss. He will feel more emboldened to interrupt tonight. 3/Details vs. The Big Picture Debates can often feel as if two participants are speaking past each other. Sometimes, this is because one person goes straight into the detail while the other sticks to broader principles. Sunak has a habit of focusing on policy detail and is less adept at speaking to values and principles - and explaining the implications for the bigger picture. This presents an interesting choice for Starmer who could meet Sunak at a detailed level or focus on the bigger picture, which has the benefit of being clearer and easy to follow for those watching. 4/Energy Clash My final thought is that there could be a mismatch of energy tonight. Sunak is a fast-paced, bouncy and high-intensity debater. That can convey urgency and purpose but can also come across as unsettled and nervous. Starmer is calmer, more measured, and slower-paced. That has the advantage of looking in control. I don't expect both debaters to depart from their default speaking styles. My view is that Starmer's style will come across as reassuring to voters. Rishi's speaking style will clash somewhat with his core message of stability and calm. Do get in touch if you want more insights about public performances during this election or if you want to explore working with Purpose Union's SpeechMark practice. lewis.iwu@purposeunion.com. I also analyse techniques underpinning debate performances in Words that Win available here: https://lnkd.in/eiK3prT #debates #election #advocacy #publicspeaking https://lnkd.in/egqRGuhe

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Are you a media professional constantly in need of finding the right expert to corroborate your work? www.expertsources.co.uk EXPERTSOURCES is an online platform ‘WHERE JOURNALISTS FIND PEOPLE WITH EXPERTISE’. We have over 7,700 Media Members representing every branch of the media; from regional, national and international TV, radio, newspapers; trade & monthly magazines, conference organisers, blogs & podcasts. Join here in less than 20 seconds FREE OF CHARGE https://lnkd.in/gWTuBX5 and search with keywords related to your topic to find matching keywords from the expert profiles, and then contact those directly when there’s a match! If you’re an expert wanting to further enhance your reputation, and wanting to increase your revenue through potentially gaining valuable media publicity join here https://lnkd.in/dbnVv_m at a greatly reduced fee.  If you’d prefer to pay us via bank transfer, contact us on the Contact Us page https://lnkd.in/dNqkfNh3 USEFUL LINKS: 🌸 Watch Founder Bob Mills in an interview talking about ExpertSources https://lnkd.in/gBJZyHs 🌻 Testimonials by previous and existing Media & Expert members https://lnkd.in/gzxMcmN 🌼 Search Advice - https://lnkd.in/dzPiP74 🌷 Who’s Searching https://lnkd.in/dqWTe9k #Publicity #Media #MediaProfessionals #Journalist #Journalists #MediaExposure #Revenue #PR #PublicRelations #Expert #Experts #Charity #University #Business #Journalism #Editorial #Podcast #Vlog #Magazines #TV #Radio #SocialMedia #ROI #Business #StartUp #Entrepreneur #Success #BusinessSuccess #Revenue #YourDream #Reputation #Journalism Photo by Dan Dumitriu on Unsplash

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I spoke with Alison Jones for her The Extraordinary Business Book Club podcast. I talked about the process of turning CEO Secrets, a digital video series by a journalist, into a good old-fashioned book! If you want deep dives into the world of business book publishing and the writing process, then I recommend this series. There are good recent episodes with Corey Keyes and Louise Brogan to check out.

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The general election is welcome news to many. The announcement was quickly followed by the publication of NHS England’s pre-election guidance (link in comments), which reminds us of the need for NHS bodies to be politically impartial and to avoid actions that might distract from or influence any election campaign. Public consultations on proposals for service change are often contentious and politically sensitive, so it’s no surprise the guidance tells us to: - not to launch a public consultation unless it’s essential,  - stop promoting live consultations and plan to extend them once the election is over, and  - not to publish the responses to a consultation until after the election. For colleagues working on service reconfigurations these restrictions can be at the same time a welcome extension and an irksome delay in tight timelines. Planned well, the pre-election period is an ideal chance to do the background work needed to launch an involvement exercise, or to analyse and report on the findings of an exercise that’s recently finished. We've been hearing from programme managers frustrated that the election will cause a delay in finely-tuned governance timetables and asking what they can do to grab some time back. Some of those timetables have been planned in detail to make sure decisions can be made and operationalised before winter pressures start building. That's a powerful driver that can lead to the temptation to cut corners in an attempt to absorb these extra six weeks. A proper process is a transparent process and the challenge of the pre-election period is that very little can happen in public. So, just as it's important to extend consultations that have been interrupted by the election, it’s important to make sure you allow enough time to go through the proper processes once the election is over. Inflexible timetables can be kryptonite to safe process. Really interested to hear how the pre-election period has affected your service reconfiguration work. Is it welcome or an inconvenience? Image by John Mounsey via Pixabay

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Grants fund investigative journalism Deadline 29 April 2024 Investigative journalists can apply for a reporting grant. The grants, sponsored by the Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), are intended to support investigative projects that break new ground and expose wrongdoing – such as corruption, malfeasance or misuse of power – in the public and private sectors. FIJ also offers expedited grants for urgent stories, follow-up grants for timely stories after initial investigations and seed funding for preliminary reporting that can lead to full investigations. The maximum award is US$10,000, which should cover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel costs, document collection and equipment rental. The first half of the grant is given once an application is approved and the second half is paid when the project is complete. Proposals must come from U.S.-based reporters or journalists whose stories have a U.S. angle, involving American citizens, government or businesses. Stories must be published in English. Proposals must be submitted in English and include a detailed budget. The next deadline to apply is April 29. The deadline for seed funding is May 10. https://lnkd.in/gEx8phtY

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