Media Handling Tool

Overview

This procurement seeks to establish a multi-year contract for the provision of a Media Handling Tool to support Reading Borough Council's (RBC) corporate communications and media management activities. The solution is required to provide a centralised platform through which press releases can be distributed, media enquiries can be recorded and managed, previous public statements can be accessed for reference, and media coverage can be monitored, analysed, and reported upon. The platform also hosts the Council's media website, which enables journalists and media organisations to access press releases, official statements, and associated imagery. The service is required to ensure the continued delivery of an effective, professional, and auditable media relations function. It supports timely and consistent communications with the media, maintains a comprehensive record of media engagement and public statements, and provides valuable insight into media coverage and public perception of Council activity. The platform is also a key business continuity tool, particularly during high-profile issues, emergency situations, and periods of increased media interest, where the ability to rapidly distribute information and maintain accurate records is critical.