TV CELEBRITY Christine Hamilton helped launch a new media organisation at a prestigious Leeds Castle reception.

More than 100 of the county's top media and business professionals celebrated the birth of Media Matters, a forum for people who work in Kent and Medway-based media organisations and those from business and non-commercial bodies interested in media affairs.

Christine told the audience some of the ups and downs since her husband, Neil, lost his Parliamentary seat in controversial circumstances.

After they had recovered from the initial period of intense media scrutiny,

they realised that they could make a living from their new-found celebrity status.

Launching Media Matters, chairman Roger Davies, a transport consultant,

told the audience that the time was long overdue for such a group.

He said: "The work of the media, whether journalism, advertising, public relations,

printing or many other businesses and professions, is the lifeblood of

our society.

"Given the huge upheaval in local newspapers, radio, magazines and TV in

recent years, not to mention the electronic revolutions, it is not surprising that more and more people are realising that we all have to keep up with the times.

"It is also a fact that strong and healthy media will also mean strong and health communities, so it was about time that a modern, forward looking organisation was formed to capitalise on it. Media Matters is the result."

A series of events is being drawn up for the next few months. These include "The Ultimate PR Clinic" at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone on November 18 when a panel of top media editors will provide impartial

advice to anyone who thinks they may have a positive story about their company or organisation.

Anyone who lives or works in Kent can apply for membership of Media Matters. They can download an application form at www.media-matters.org.uk .