Media Talkers
Who are media talkers?
Media talkers are people who have signed up with us to talk to the media about their experiences of prostate cancer.
If you want to help us do this, please fill in the online application form on this site or give us a ring. We will take your details and contact you when a media opportunity arises.
This could be when:
- A local or regional journalist wants to talk to someone who has experienced prostate cancer in their area to get your first hand experience
- A journalist wants hear a personal account of a particular treatment or how it feels to be in a specific situation
- If we, a politician or someone in the public eye talks about prostate cancer and the media want to feature a ‘real person’ to back up their story
- Or, if you are about to take part in a fundraising activity or community project which could be of interest to the press
But don’t worry. We filter every request and we would never give out your details until we have discussed each request with you first. All we need to know at this stage is that you agree, in principle, to have your name and photograph in the media and that you want to help.
Why does the Charity need media talkers’ help?
We have worked hard to build an excellent reputation with journalists for providing up-to-date and reliable information on medical research, political developments and many other prostate cancer related issues. We also campaign to improve the services offered to men with prostate cancer and peoples understanding of the disease. We work proactively to ensure that we keep the media spotlight on prostate cancer.
But we cannot do this alone, we exist because of the support of the thousands of men and woman who have been affected by prostate cancer. We need you to help personalise our work and illustrate a news story with real people.
How does media work help?
When we have a major campaign or prostate cancer story reported in the media, we can see an increase in requests for our literature and a greater number of calls to our specialist nurse-led Helpline. Media coverage helps men with prostate cancer and their families become more aware of us and the help we can provide and it helps to make everyone realise this is a cause that needs support. It also enables people to identify possible symptoms, risk factors and adopt a helpful diet so that they can be proactive about their health.
We are also starting to see some political effect from our campaigning but there is still a long way to go until prostate cancer is prioritised in the manner it deserves so we need to keep the pressure up.
How do I become a media talker
In the coming weeks we will post an online application form, in the meantime please contact our Press Office to find out more either by emailing MediaAndPublicAffairs@prostate-cancer.org.uk or calling 0208 222 7648.