As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, the importance of effective communication in the public health sector became more apparent than ever before.
CoJMC’s Associate dean for research and faculty affairs and Lawrence L. and Ruth E. Pike Professor in Journalism Cory Armstrong and assistant professor of practice Sharon Baldinelli designed a series of media trainings recently attended by Nebraska’s public health directors.
Armstrong and Baldinelli have designed trainings for the U.S. Strategic Command, Nebraska's Public Health Directors and University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health
Nebraska's Public Health Directors kicked off 2024 with media training at Andersen Hall in January. See photos from the training below.
Baldinelli sat down for an interview, shedding light on the evolution of communication skills amidst the pandemic.
"The larger concern over communication skills is building trust within communities," Baldinelli said. “This media training session allows community leaders to gain a stronger idea about how to engage within their communities to create this desired rebuilding of trust.
To address this need, Baldinelli and her team devised an innovative approach to training—incorporating experiential learning into their programs. Participants were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in simulated interview experiences, mirroring real-life scenarios. From planning public health messaging to navigating interviews under the scrutiny of the camera, participants gained invaluable insights and feedback to enhance their communication skills.
Navigating the era of misinformation on social media platforms posed yet another challenge for public health workers. Baldinelli stressed the importance of proactivity and positivity in crafting social media messages, while also acknowledging the limitations of these platforms.
However, media training wasn't just about crisis management—it was about establishing relationships with the public and media well before emergencies occurred. Through open discussions about partnerships and community resources, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to engage with various stakeholders and foster trust within their communities.
As the interview drew to a close, Baldinelli expressed her enthusiasm for expanding the reach of media training beyond the public health sector. She saw potential collaborations with other departments and colleges within the University of Nebraska, envisioning opportunities to enhance messaging, showcase resources, and promote community engagement across various fields.
From agricultural sciences to fine arts, from campus safety to recruitment efforts, media training holds the promise of empowering professionals from diverse backgrounds to communicate effectively and build stronger connections with their audiences.
