Quick Tips
- Stall for 30 minutes
- Check reporter deadlines & contact details
- Gather facts before comment
- Prepare 3 or 4 talking points
- Provide examples to illustrate facts
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 media enquiries
What happens when reporters make a cold call?
Most people instinctively start talking. But you're not obliged to comment immediately.
Check the reporter's deadline and contact details. Ask them to forward story background and questions by email. Reassure them their inquiry will be dealt with, and there'll be an update within half an hour.
Now you should gather facts, and decide whether you are the best person to comment.
Never ignore a phone message from a reporter. And never forget to update them on progress - even if you decide not to comment.
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