Disseminating gender statistics

 

PRESS RELEASES & PRESS BRIEFINGS

Press Releases

• Signal to all user groups that new data are released, and
• Present the statistical news to the press, preferably in journalistic form.

Most people in statistical offices accept that the only effective way to communicate statistics both to the population at large and to more closely defined groups (including specialists) is to use mass media and particularly newspapers. Even other marketing tools, such as flyers containing key figures on women and men, have to be brought to people's attention first. Employing mass media techniques is the most efficient method of creating this kind of awareness.

 

Preparing press releases provides information on how to write a good press release, and provides links to more information about liaising with the media.

 

Press Briefings
This usually means inviting journalists, either in the context of releasing new information, or by organising a briefing to provide background information on a particular set of statistics. In the case of data release, the press release is handed out and the journalists are briefed on the release before being invited to ask questions. Thus, a briefing allows for more detailed guidance regarding the statistical information released and the journalists are therefore better informed. It also helps to establish a more personalised relationship with journalists and a forum for direct feedback on the released information.