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COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Office is based at Holywell Lodge, is responsible for:
Media Relations
The office works with TV, radio, press and internet journalists in the diocese and beyond to promote accurate and positive coverage of parish-based and diocesan activities.
We are keen to hear from parishes and diocesan groups with engaging stories to tell – particularly those involving people living out their faith in ways likely to interest viewers, listeners or readers with little experience of ‘church’ or the Christian faith.
Experience shows that there is a ready ‘demand’ for this type of material in the media which assists the mission of the Church. We can help parishes communicate well with their local media, and so raise their profile.
Parishes facing challenging issues with the media should contact the Communications Officer for guidance (see below).
See Round
The monthly diocesan magazine, ‘See Round’, is available to parishes on order from the diocesan office, and currently has a circulation of around 20,000.
It aims – in a lively style – to share news and information likely to be interesting and useful to parishes across the diocese. A bishop’s letter is published in each edition, together with news of courses, conferences and events being held across the diocese. Profiles of people living out their faith in the diocese – lay or ordained – are regularly included.
Advertising is included in each edition, with special discounts for parishes.
e-Round
Over 1000 Clergy, Readers, PCC members, magazine editors and other active churchgoers receive ‘e-Round’, a monthly e-mail update featuring news and events in St. Albans Diocese. Increasingly, parishes are including this information in their magazines, newsletters and websites. To join the list, see below.
The Diocesan Website – www.stalbans.anglican.org
The diocesan website achieves thousands of ‘hits’ each month, and is increasingly becoming an information resource for the diocese and its parishes, and for people ‘looking in’ on them. The site includes news and resource information and links to numerous parish and other helpful websites.
Monthly mailing – ‘the bundle’
Each month, Clergy and Readers receive a mailing giving information updates and news of resources and events – both for themselves and for publicising in their parish. To submit information to be considered for inclusion, see below.
Diocesan Directory
The Diocesan Directory is published each year, giving reference information about Clergy, Readers, parishes, church schools and diocesan groups. The publication is sold to parishes, and supported by advertising.
Training Advice
Regular training courses in all aspects of communications are run in association with the ecumenical Beds And Herts Churches Media Trust. These cover media liaison, magazine production, website design and other publicity initiatives.
Communications Advisory Network
A group of communicators from across the diocese provide valuable advice, on a voluntary basis, to the Communications Office.
Advice on any communications issue can be obtained from the office.
For more information, contact:
Communications Officer,
comms@stalbans.anglican.org Tel: 01727-818110 Fax: 01727-844469
January 2005
