Media Relations
Our team plays a key role in managing media relations, ensuring chronic disease science and stories are communicated clearly, accurately, and with impact. We work closely with the CDC Office of the Associate Director for Communications to respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews and media tours, and develop press materials that reflect public health priorities.
Media Training
As part of our commitment to strengthening public communication, our media team developed and led a center-wide media engagement training program.
These trainings improved staff confidence and skill in media interactions, enabling them to effectively represent CDC's work in both public and press-facing roles.
We emphasized authentic storytelling to enhance message clarity and audience connection. Often, we would tailor trainings to match specific health topics, working one-on-one with staff to prepare them for their upcoming public speaking and media engagements.
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Ted Talk Style Presentation Slides
Media training to help staff speak clearly, confidently, and stay on message
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Ted Talk Style Presentation Slides
Trainings to help staff communicate in high-pressure moments.
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Training for Clarity and Impact
Training includes storytelling tips, slides, practice sessions with feedback, Q&A strategies.
Rollout Plans
Rollout plans are required for major communication products likely to draw media or public attention—such as journal articles, national reports, or Congressional briefings.
These plans provide a clear, strategic roadmap for releasing new public health information. They help ensure all stakeholders are aligned and fully prepared before high-profile content is made public.
What's included in a rollout plan?
Overview (product description, key dates, audience details)
Main message
Dissemination plan
Communication materials (press releases, partner emails, social media content)
Our team works closely with divisions on strategic planning for rollout plans, providing feedback and guidance throughout the writing process. We also coordinate reviews of the rollout plan at every level of the agency.
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From Pitch to Pulse: Tracking Media Engagement
National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2024, September 5 – October 4, 2024
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Media/Rollout Planning
Planning and risk management in support of external agency announcements.
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From Pitch to Pulse: Tracking Media Engagement
National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2024 September 5 – October 4, 2024
Media Responses
When the media has a question about chronic disease, we answer with the most up-to-date information from our center's subject matter experts.
We developed a Media Inquiries Tracker to log and manage journalist questions from initial receipt through final response—supporting both proactive outreach and reactive replies.
It streamlines current communications and preserves a clear record of past media engagement.
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Tracking Media Responses Metrics
Our internal tracker boosts efficiency by managing media inquiries collaboratively ensuring timely responses and impactful communication.
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Media Reach
Meltwater metrics helps us analyze how the media’s response to CDC content. By tracking the public's engagement, we can see how far our messaging has reached.
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Strategy Improvement through Data
Using metrics to reveal our most successful rollout plans, provide real-time feedback for divisions and partners and helping us continuously improve our media strategy.
