2013 Q1 SMG Media Activity Report
Media Activity Report: 1 January 2013 – 31 March 2013
Summary
This report summarises the University of Glasgow’s media coverage over the period 1 January – 31 March 2013. In addition to a digest of domestic and international media activity, the report also includes detail of internal communications activities, our social media presence (including the introduction of Sina-Weibo in China) and of traffic using the University of Glasgow website.
Domestic Media
According to our media monitoring service the University of Glasgow registered a total of 1339 media clips in the period under review, compared with 1,135 in Q4 of 2012. The clips had an advertising value (AVE) of £5,431,793, as against £2,293,396 in Q4 of 2012 and a total potential reach of 664,995,699 viewings, up on the 615,379,585 noted in October-December 2012.
During Q1 2013, 52 news releases were issued, compared with 46 in Q4 of 2012. All news releases are available on the web at http://www.gla.ac.uk/news
The vast majority of output was positive, and detail of media successes on some of these stories is outlined below. However it is important to also note negative coverage associated with allegations of misogyny in connection with the Ancients’ Debate that took place at the Glasgow University Union in early March 2013. This prompted output in publications such as the Daily Mail, Times, Telegraph, Herald and on Women’s Hour on BBC Radio 4. More information can be seen in the graph details for March below. Whilst regrettable, the coverage might have been significantly worse had immediate action not been taken to inform staff and students of the stance taken by the University in response to the allegations (without prejudicing any inquiry) and then to communicate this to the media. The story was not picked up by mainstream news outlets on either television or radio, and though coverage continued over a ten day period, communications staff were able to deflect most media enquiries through press statements which focussed on our unequivocal zero-tolerance policies, and with robust replies to every email, tweet and Facebook message received. Whilst the University has certainly been implicated by association, media attention focussed on the GUU rather than the University and was restricted to certain press outlets.
Media coverage on more positive matters was based on research stories and opinion pieces spread across the colleges. These appeared in a range of print, online, social media and broadcast outlets including BBC 1’s Breakfast News, ITV national and regional news, Channel 4 News, Reporting Scotland, Newsnight Scotland and Scotland Tonight. Radio slots were secured across all of the main national networks, with regular appearances on high audience platforms such as Good Morning Scotland and Today and PM on Radio 4. An appearance on the BBC World Service’s Newshour for the launch of Create had a potential audience in excess of 40 million listeners. (Source: BBC World Service Annual Review).
There was also prominent output on programming such as BBC TV’s Bang Goes the Theory, BBC TV’s Stargazing Live, a BBC 4 documentary on the 100 Years’ War, the Discovery Channel and comment and opinion on CNN and NBC news in the United States, CBC in Canada and Radio New Zealand. Print outlets ranged from all of the major UK and Scottish titles to international publications including the Wall Street Journal and the Economist.
The University of Glasgow was amongst major city landmarks in a substantial feature in Air France magazine. This outlet has a circulation of 451,000.
The range and depth of stories which attained media profile is extensive and includes:
New technique to reduce virus transmission in livestock Unveiling of lost letters at the 2013 Centre for Robert Burns Conference The world’s first in-human trial of vagus nerve stimulation in stroke patients Launch of CREATe, a new centre led by, and based at, the University of Glasgow and dedicated to examining the changing nature of copyright and the need for new business models in the digital age Study into effectiveness of a new weight-loss programme for the severely obese The launch of the Adam Smith Business School Evidence that water dissolved on Mars from analysis of a Martian meteorite Research that dated the extinction of the dinosaurs to within 11,000 years Research into survival rates of sufferers of prostate cancer Project into how technology can help older and disabled people live more independent lives A major symposium and lecture by Lord Jack McConnell marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone and the lasting legacy of medical research into tropical diseases which is carried on at the University of Glasgow Study into how breast cancer can recur when patients fail to complete their course of medication Evidence of older land links between Central and South America through a new study into the existence and prevalence of Salamanders. Study into the impact of watching too much television on the behaviour of very young children The unveiling to the press of Anacail, a spin out company that offers a process to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Announcement of a major grant award into technology that might avert a future crisis in water supply and treatment Research into our understanding of the impact of solar flares Launch of the Crichton Institute in Dumfries Study into how penguins keep warm during Antarctic winters Launch of the Clinical Anatomy Skills Centre Confirmation of major grant for research into osteoarthritis Launch of the University’s Gaelic Language Plan Trialling of a voting system by text Public attitudes survey into poverty and social deprivation
On-going support has been provided to colleagues running the Vox Populi series of seminars, including a media tie-in with the Scotsman newspaper which saw two further double-page centre-spread articles. We also worked closely with the Security and Independent Scotland lecture series, with extensive television, radio, online and print coverage secured.
Comms staff also provided guidance to the student societies that were involved in the Independence Referendum on campus. This drew a large media presence, both from Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. We also welcomed a Catalonian television crew to the university.
The constitutional debate has allowed for academic comment from colleagues across various academic disciplines to be featured on television, radio and online. High demand in this area is expected to continue between now and the Referendum in September 2014.
Comment – proactively offered or sourced in reaction to press demand - was provided across all media platforms and on a wide range of diverse issues including the horse meat scandal; plans to redevelop Glasgow’s George Square, the Papal Election and resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien; our links with Mongolia, which included a live into BBC Radio interview from Ulan Bator; transport infrastructure; the psychology of smells; body language of the Chancellor during the Budget speech; the potential location of the body of James IV; a re-appraisal of the reputation of Macbeth; diet and health; the Higgs Boson particle; and comparisons between Catalonia and Scotland in the constitutional debate.
On a corporate level, communications staff were closely involved with the launch of the Campus Vision strategy. This included both internal and external news and events coordination, working collaboratively with the team in Estates and Buildings.
We also assisted with the launch of the University’s Gaelic Plan, which included the placing of material in both English and Gaelic across print and broadcaster outlets, and of the Crichton Institute in Dumfries, where we provided on-site support as well as coordinating a media plan with partner bodies and the Scottish Government.
Communications staff liaised with colleagues in the Business School and in DAO on the launch of the Adam Smith Business School. Collaborative working was also evident in the publication of the University’s statement on Curriculum for Excellence, which again involved media activity and discussions with the Scottish Government.
Commemorations to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone, involving a major symposium and keynote lecture by the former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell yielded excellent media coverage. Comms staff assisted in the sourcing of a video statement from Archbishop Desmond Tutu which was played ahead of the lecture, as well as a special DVD which was coordinated through the Media Production Unit. The 14 minute film summarised the life of David Livingstone and his ongoing legacy in tropical disease research at the University of Glasgow. Copies were given out to guests at the lecture, to schools and other interested parties. We were able to place the film on the STV website as well as the University home page and distributed it worldwide through our extensive social media network.
Private briefings were held with a range of editorial contacts, including the incoming editor of the Herald and deputy editor of the Scotsman. An on-the-record briefing with local reporters in Dumfries as part of a planned relationship building with the media in the south-west was also arranged.
The final full-day course of media training was provided in January. Feedback on the five courses which were commissioned yielded an overall satisfaction rate of 94%. Additional courses will be arranged for later in the year and we would encourage colleagues who have some, lots or no media experience to take advantage of the opportunity.
The communications office is staffed 0900-1700 Monday-Friday, but we provide a 24 hour out-of-hours service and a member of staff is always available.
Stuart Forsyth, MVLS and international – 0141 330 4831; [email protected] Ross Barker, Science and Engineering – 0141 330 8593; [email protected] Cara Macdowall, Social Sciences – 0141 330 3683; [email protected] Nick Wade, Arts – 0141 330 7126; [email protected]
Peter Aitchison, Director of Media and Public Relations - 0141 330 7350; 07766 111244; [email protected]
SUMMARY OF UK MEDIA
A total of 1339 articles were registered in the January –March period across Press: 819; Online: 323; and Broadcast: 197
The breakdown was as follows:
Volumes: January 2013: 394 articles
February 2013: 525 articles
March 2013: 420 articles
College and Corporate breakdown: January-March 2013
Medicine, Vet & Life Sciences: 17.7% Corporate University Issues: 14.9% College of Social Sciences: 13.3% College of Arts: 11.4% College of Science & Engineering: 10.8% Miscellaneous: 32.0%
International Media
During Q1 of 2013 the Media Relations Office recorded 3,300 international instances of coverage for the University. The bulk of coverage was seen in the United States (1,746), followed by Spain (204), India (173), Germany (143) and China (97).
There has been a large amount of pro-active coverage generated in India during the last three months (almost half of that generated over the previous 12 months) – consisting of a mix of research stories and articles highlighting scholarship opportunities and new programmes. This activity is focused on supporting RIO with recruitment and on increasing the number of applicants and students from India after a significant drop in recent months. Anecdotal evidence suggests coverage of issues such as scholarships can lead to a substantial increase in enquiries from prospective students.
Discussions are also underway with other Scottish Universities International Group colleagues on the continuation of the SUIG press campaign in India, as the current contract comes to an end on May 31 2013.
There was extensive international coverage of several research stories, including: a study linking TV watching to bad behaviour in children, delayed stenting helping heart attack patients, a CBT method for beating depression for people with learning disabilities, the mechanism by which penguins keep warm in the cold and how scientists wanted to help rehabilitate stroke victims by helping to rewire their brains.
International focus in the recent weeks has also focused on planning for upcoming events in New Delhi and Chengdu, which will be attended by comms staff, as well as the recruitment of an intern to administer the Sina-Weibo account in China.
Social Media
The number of people following our official Facebook page increased by 13% from 38,133 in Q4 2012 to 43,004 in Q1 2013. In the same period our Twitter followers increased by 14% from 21,970 to 25,043. We are currently the fifth most followed university in the UK on both FB and Twitter.
The University of Glasgow was highly in praised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations which named us as one of the “top 3 universities (in the UK) by social media engagement”, alongside Oxford and Cambridge:
“A bit of a surprise entry, but Glasgow prove they can play with the big boys when you examine their Facebook and Twitter pages. The Scottish University's social platforms have high fan and follower numbers as well as an impressive range of specialist Twitter pages for different departments and societies. The responses to queries on Twitter are always promptly answered and the university hosts a number of different blogs that let people explore everything from English Literature to how students are getting on when studying abroad.”
CIPR - Top UK Universities in Social Media http://conversation.cipr.co.uk/posts/katy.howell/top-uk-universities-in-social-media
In addition to Facebook and Twitter the University of Glasgow now has an active Sina- Weibo account which is great importance and interest to our Chinese community. The pages went live at the end of 2012 and with the help of a Chinese student intern we already have attained in excess of 2,500 followers. The channel is used to publicise research stories, but also general information about the city of Glasgow and the high quality of the student experience here at the University of Glasgow.
Facebook (excluding Oxford and Cambridge)
80,000 LSE UCL 70,000 Glasgow Edinburgh 60,000 Manchester Cardiff Imperial 50,000 Birmingham Sheffield
40,000 Southampton Nottingham Warwick 30,000 Newcastle Exeter
20,000 King's York Queen's 10,000 Leeds Liverpool
0 Durham 08/04/2013
Facebook - Gender
Male
45% Female 55%
Facebook - Age
2% 2% 13-17
4% 9% 18-24 8% 25-34
35-44
45-54 23% 55-64
65+ 52%
Facebook - Country of residence
2% 2% 1% United Kingdom 2% 2% Indonesia 8% India
Pakistan 8%
United States of America
Malaysia 55% 10% Greece
Italy
10% Egypt
Thailand
City of residence Top stories
10,448 Glasgow, Scotland 28/03/2013 – Photo, reached 78,437 people. 934 London, England 04/04/2013 – Photo, reached 38,032 729 Lahore, Punjab people. 493 Edinburgh, Scotland 05/04/2013 – Photo, reached 23,600 people. 467 Karachi, Sindh 13/03/2013 – Launch of University’s 392 Jakarta, Jakarta Raya Gaelic Plan, 20,937 people reached. 332 Athens, Attiki 20/03/2013 – A Cappella Group represent Scotland in Voice Festival UK competition 306 Dhaka Finals, 17,911 people reached. 301 Bangkok, Krung Thep 296 Singapore
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000 Dec-12 20000 Apr-13
10000
0
LSE
UCL
York
QMU
Leeds
King's
Exeter
Bristol
Cardiff
Oxford
Durham
Queen's
Imperial
Glasgow
Warwick
Sheffield
Liverpool
Edinburgh
Newcastle
Nottigham
Cambridge
Manchester Birmingham Southampton
Internal Communications
Phil Taylor, the Internal Communications Manager, started work on 4 February 2013. In his first few weeks, meetings were arranged with all the University Services managers and interviews conducted with the Heads of the four Colleges and their College Secretaries to get their views on internal communications and the issues that need to be addressed.
Phil has also been working with the Information Architecture Review Group convened by Deputy Secretary Court Office and led by James Currall from IT Services. This is proving extremely useful, not only in scoping how internal communications channels and platforms can be improved, but also in crystallising the shape of a University internal communications strategy. Phil has set a deadline of 17 May to deliver a draft strategy to be included in the papers for the HR Committee on 29 May. Before then, the intention is to seek input on the draft from a wide range of managers in the Court Office, University Services and the Colleges, Schools and Research Institutes.
In day-to-day activities, Phil has been involved in:
the launch of the Campus Vision consultations and possible move of the Hunterian collections to the Kelvin Hall the handling of the GUU controversy the consultations over UGPS implementation of pensions auto-enrolment changes to the complaints procedure Transforming Research Support project a campaign to raise awareness of staff counselling services for Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Phil has also worked with Student Services and the SRC to create a student safety campaign focusing on two problem areas: assaults on male students and thefts from female students. This has resulted in a poster and plasma screen/online campaign using these specially commissioned images:
Website
The number of external visitors to the www.gla.ac.uk website increased by 5.7% from quarter one 2012 to the same period in 2013.
Time period Off campus unique visitors to www.gla.ac.uk
1 January – 31 March 2012 1,381,839
1 January – 31 March 2013 1,460,487
Over the same time frames, the following also happened: the total number of visits increased by 9.37% the average visit duration increased by 1.64
The percentage of visits from outwith the UK also increased from quarter one in 2012 to quarter one in 2013 from 24.4% to 25.8%. The ten countries that showed the greatest number of visitors were as follows (variance from Q1 2012 - Q1 2013): United States (+27.67%) China (+28.29) India (-17.88%) Singapore (+74.20%) Canada (+8.17%) France (+11.41%) Greece (+2.63%) Italy (+4.76%) Spain (+11.37%) Australia (+9.23%)
Peter Aitchison Director, Media and Public Relations 8 April 2013