Greg Ward Media Tips PDF Print E-mail
greg_ward_media_coaching
 
 
 
Quicktips
 
  • Stall for 30 minutes on cold calls
  • Check reporter deadlines & contact details
  • Gather facts before making comment
  • Identify 3 or 4 talking points
  • Support your comments with real examples
 
 
what do news editors want?
 
  • Local angles on national stories
  • Expert and informed comment
  • Surveys and consumer trends
  • Solutions to customer problems
  • New, first, last, unique, biggest etc
  • Conflict and drama
 
 
responding to unexpected inquiries
 
A key part of media training is learning how to manage a surprise inquiry - the reporter cold call.
 
You are not obliged to respond immediately, but you should always try to cooperate - even when your news is bad.  Check the reporter's deadline and contact details, and ask them to forward story background and questions by email. Reassure the reporter their inquiry will be dealt with, and that someone will be back in touch within half an hour.  (That person might be you, your boss, your PR representative etc.  But someone must call back with an update.)
 
Once you receive the reporter's email, gather the facts. If you are the spokesperson, take time to decide whether comment is appropriate.  If you decide not to comment, or to comment at some later stage, email the reporter and let them know.
 
 
 
 
 
 

free tips

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contact greg

 
AUCKLAND/WELLINGTON
mobile:           +64 21 899 532
after hours:    +649 83 44 583
email:             greg@gregward.tv
skype:            gregwardnz
 
SYDNEY/MELBOURNE
phone:          +612 8006 4492