More questions? Our Total Exposure FAQs
I don’t understand. Is this a competition? Is there a guaranteed prize for the winner?
No, this is not a traditional competition and there is no guaranteed prize. However, all the shortlisted applicants will get the chance to discuss their ideas with a panel of experienced broadcasters.
Should I pitch for TV or radio — or both?
Don’t worry about the best format for your idea. As the media professionals, the broadcasters on the panel will give you their input as to how they envision the programme for your idea and help you explore the options of programming and production.
Is this all about the UK?
No, not at all. They can be about the UK but ideas with a broader international appeal are just as likely to succeed.
Do you think political theory has much to offer?
Yes, political theory has far more to offer than sometimes we think. The media market place is desperate for new ways of thinking about perennial or new challenges. The issue is not so much political theory but how that theory is translated for public consumption and reflection
Can I put in more than one pitch?
Yes, you can put in as many as you want but the emphasis should be on quality and innovation.
Can I have team members from abroad or from other disciplines?
Yes, that’s fine and working with other people can be a really good way of developing and refining ideas. However, at least one member must be based at a UK university and all UK-based members must be members of the PSA. It’s a good idea to think through how the team would operate if you were offered a commission — what roles would each team member want to fulfill?
Can engaging with the media really help my research?
Yes. The media is fickle beast but most outlets are also under pressure in terms of needing to fulfil their statutory public service broadcasting requirements.
The research-media link is multi-dimensional in the sense that translating your research into a publically digestible form can be valuable in terms of redefining what you do, how and why. It can also be valuable in terms of what sort of public response and feedback you receive. In terms of future funding opportunities, previous experience working closely with the media is a sign of impact potential for the future. Media work also has a rather odd tendency to create new and unexpected research opportunities!
But isn’t it all about dumbing-down?
No, quite the opposite. The art of translating academic knowledge in to a publicly digestible form that is informative, accessible and stimulating is a real skill. All of the media professionals on the panel have a track record in commissioning or producing cutting-edge public service broadcasting.
Will I make lots of money and be famous?
It’s possible but highly unlikely. Even if you write and present a series on TV or radio, your fee is unlikely to be more than a couple thousand pounds. The financial benefits for an academic are likely to be more indirect in terms of adding to your CV, offering demonstrable impact activities, bringing positive publicity to your institution, etc.
What’s actually involved in making a programme?
This depends on your specific role and this can vary from writing and presenting a programme, at one extreme, to acting as an academic advisor, on the other.
Is it fun?
Yes, working with the media can be great fun and it’s wonderful to see or hear your research being broadcast all around the world. In many ways the media provides a useful professional reference point that adds new insights for those working in higher education. There is a synergy that needs to be exploited for mutual benefit. A large number of commissioners and producers are ‘wannabe’ academics!
What sort of support and training will be provided?
We are pleased to offer a Total Exposure training day for those whose written pitches have shortlisted with Cathy Gormley-Heenan, our Total Exposure success story, who commissioned her pitch ‘A World Made of Walls’ for the BBC World Service in 2015. The date of the training will be confirmed shortly. Some advice can be given for written pitches via email at [email protected].
I’m worried about submitting a wacky idea. Will all submissions be published?
No, only the pitches of those shortlisted to attend the final pitching even in London will be published.
What happens if they like me but not my idea?
This is actually quite common. In this case a broadcaster might work with you to develop other ideas that they think you might be able to lead and develop.
What’s to stop one of the people on the panel pinching my idea?
That is a good question and to be honest not a lot! However, all the panel members are highly respected and experienced professionals. They have aggreed to contribute to this project in order to build relationships with the academic community and they also need the expert academic knowledge that the person or team making the pitch is offering. In many ways this is exactly the same risk as someone pinching an idea or theory you might discuss at a conference or seminar.
Is the PSA looking for specific people to apply?
No, not really. This opportunity is open to all members of the PSA but it would be great to see members from underrepresented groups within the discipline getting involved.
Why is this opportunity only open to PSA members?
PSA members pay their annual subscription in order to access a specific range of services and opportunities. Total Exposure is therefore part of a broader attempt to increase the proportion of the profession who are members of the PSA by offering new services that make joining even more attractive!