Point Park University in Alliance With C4CS® to Offer New Media Skills & Spokesperson Training

    PITTSBURGH, PA, February 13, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Point Park University and C4CS®, an international strategic communication and crisis management consultancy, today announced a partnership to offer media skills and spokesperson training services for national and regional businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other groups seeking to improve their media interview skills in an increasingly frenzied 24/7, digital news environment.

The new training programs are housed in the University's Center for Media Innovation (PointPark.edu/CMI), an internationally renowned 4,000-square-foot facility that features state-of-the-art multimedia and broadcasting production studios and equipment.

Utilizing the Center for Media Innovation's studio setting best simulates what executives and spokespersons face in conducting interviews and holding news conferences, providing an understanding of how today's digital content is produced and how journalists work.

The fully customizable media skills and spokesperson training services are available now, the University and C4CS said.

"The Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University serves as a valuable resource for all types of storytellers, and we are pleased to work with C4CS to provide programming that will help corporate executives and other leaders share the important work they are doing to advance our region and its economy," said University President Paul Hennigan.

C4CS President and CEO Oliver S. Schmidt said that the media skills and spokesperson training services are being managed and conducted by C4CS Vice President Anne Linaberger, a veteran radio and television reporter, anchor, producer, and news director. Prior to joining C4CS in 2018, Linaberger spent more than 20 years at KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh's CBS affiliate.

"Having spent most of my career in the news media, I know how reporters work and what they are looking for," Linaberger said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to coach our clients so they leave the training feeling more comfortable about interacting with the media and can turn what might be an intimidating experience into an opportunity to promote their organization's message."

"Anne has a tremendous wealth of experience in interviewing newsmakers and managing news operations. She has keen insight about how best to leverage media interview and media relations skills for a client's benefit," Schmidt said. "She has been on both sides of the camera. She knows the media business thoroughly and how clients can successfully articulate a consistent message."

Andrew Conte, director of the Center for Media Innovation, said the center's broadcast studios will give participants a chance to test their new skills in a real-life environment. "It can be intimidating to talk with the media, especially when the bright studio lights turn on. But preparing for that situation, and practicing in a simulated professional setting, allows executives to turn high-stress moments into opportunities. Everyone has a story to tell, and the people who plan ahead have the best odds of telling their story the most effectively. I look forward to conducting the training sessions."

For scheduling and fee information, please e-mail Anne Linaberger ([email protected]) or Andrew Conte ([email protected]).

ABOUT POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Point Park University (www.pointpark.edu), immersed in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, focuses on student success through innovative experiential learning opportunities. Point Park enrolls more than 4,000 students in over 100 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs offered through its Conservatory of Performing Arts, Rowland School of Business, and schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication, and Education. The University's alumni and students represent all 50 states and 34 countries around the world.

ABOUT C4CS, LLC

C4CS, LLC (www.c4cs.com) is an international management consultancy that uniquely specializes in both strategic communication and crisis management. Since 1998, the firm has focused on protecting and enhancing brand equity, reputation and the bottom line, working with corporate, nonprofit and government client partners around the world. Through strategic consulting, skills building workshops and executive coaching, C4CS provides solutions that make client partners smarter and more competitive. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, C4CS also has offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Berlin, Germany.

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