The journalist need not be the enemy - help him/her

People going into a media encounter invariably think that it's the journalist's interview and that they are powerless to do anything to help themselves. They place themselves at the journalist's mercy and, often, come out of the encounter second best because of that misplaced trust. Standing up for yourself is mandatory in any media interview but it also pays to try and help the journalist before, during and after that interview.

Remember that the interview is just one part of the media encounter. When you received a phone call from the media or you made a call to them is when the encounter really started. You must never launch straight into dialogue with the journalist before you prepare so you can tell him or her a white lie (you've caught me in a meeting, what is your direct phone number and I'll call you back in 10 minutes) and also use the excuse of checking the latest details to bide time for that preparation. This is helping you, rather than the journalist but you can tell them that you'd hate to mislead them with information that wasn't up to date and that will make them think that you're helping them.

If you're putting out a media release about, say, a media conference at an accident site, let the media know the directions to get there, if a helicopter landing site is nearby or if there are any restrictions on the media presence and why. As a former chief of staff at four TV stations, I can tell you that this information will be appreciated by the COS who will be organising the journalist/crew to get to you.

Younger journalists particularly will appreciate any information you give them. Their lack of experience could mean they will be having trouble filtering a heap of information so you can help them out by doing some of that filtering. I always advise preparing a single piece of paper with the heading Main Points and a list of four or five dot points on the main points as you see them. Don't think of this as a media release as journalists often discount them as whitewash. This is a more simple sheet of paper with dot points that can be hand written for an even more genuine effect. Some journalists, young or old, might have been diverted from another story by their chief of staff or assignment editor and they will certyainly love you for that sheet of paper.

Are there are any other ways to help the journalist? If the subject matter is complex, ask them if they would like a simple explanation prior to the interview. This also gives you the opportunity to put your spin on the material (perhaps more even than the journalist's) before the microphones are switched on.

Do you have any charts, diagrams, models, video or stills that might help the journalist tell the story better. If so, use them. Let the journalist know as soon as possible because it may alter the way he/she will construct the story.

Finally, think about using a Video News Release for TV exposure. Today's news crews and daily current affairs journalists do not have the luxury of time to capture the better shots. You and your tame crew can do just that to help the media out and at the same time, place control of the shoot firmly in your quarters so you know what images will and will not go to air.

Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/

As a former journalist, Graham Kelly knows just what helping a journalist can do. He now trains business people in this area. He has also written a book on media training (3rd edition).

Please Rate The Above Article From The Business - General Category
Article Title: The journalist need not be the enemy - help him/her

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated

Syndicate Business - General Related Articles Via RSS!

Boost your websites' search engine ranking! Attract more repeat visitors!
Automatically, consistently update your content via Really Simple Syndication (RSS). To syndicate the above article and other Business - General related articles on your blog or site, simply click on the XML Icon above to grab the RSS feed -- It's FREE!

Subject to Orbitaloc.com's Publisher Terms of Service, you may reprint this article on your own website, blog, and ezine. (English only) You may also syndicate the article via Really Simple Syndication (RSS). It is free of charge.

Free Articles on Business - General and Other FREE Content Article Topics
The preceeding is an informative article from the Business - General category.

Visit Our Sponsor for 2 Free Quarts of Liquid Vitamins