More than half of researchers in the humanities and social sciences have more than one contact with the media each year, that might include interviews or discussions. Many researchers actively communicate with the non-academic public using scientific blogs, Twitter or Facebook. Researchers are also exposed to considerable pressure from research funding agencies and universities. Public outreach is now an important criteria for evaluators, and the dialogue with society is an important component of a university's mission.
So is it a matter of just getting out in front of the microphone? There is a rather complex relationship between academia, the public and the media. Both are structured differently and are governed by distinct logics. Understand what you need to watch out for when dealing with journalists and in turn how to use media for your own public visibility.
Trainings
Media training and writing workshops for researchers (SNSF)