The 12 Worst Mistakes in Working With the Media

As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The web has changed the way we work with journalists. Many media interviews take place in email exchanges. Reporters conduct interviews on Zoom or similar services. The news cycle is now 24/7.

Follow the Rules

But, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The basic rules of working with a reporter on a story …Read more…

Should You Be Doing This Media Interview?

Should I Do This Media Interview?

Should I Do This Media Interview?

That’s an important question to ask yourself before you schedule a media interview with a reporter.

You’ve no doubt noticed that many politicians who appear on Sunday morning talk shows almost immediately go on the defensive. They have a point of view on the topic that is at odds with the reporter’s questions from the get-go.

On the Defensive

Too often a talk show guest will evade answering the questions and continually return to his point of view. This is the broken record syndrome taken to its extreme. …Read more…

The News Media Doesn’t Need PR People Anymore

Informatic spy (EPS 10,includes transparency)You may be wondering why a media trainer who guides corporate executives through the stages of interviews in traditional media and, in recent years, on Zoom and social media, would make a statement like the one above.

It’s because we increasingly hear complaints from PR people about how much more difficult media relations has become since the emergence of the Internet.

Reporters as Detectives

Edward Bernays, who is credited with inventing the term “public relations,” polished John D. Rockefeller’s image by having him give away coins to encourage thrift. This early PR initiative was …Read more…

Why the Reporter Didn’t Quote You — or Your Client

Why wasn't I quoted?

Why wasn’t I quoted?

Nothing is worse than picking up the phone and hearing an irate client on the other end of the line asking, “Why wasn’t I quoted? Why did I waste my time talking to John Jones? How come you didn’t make sure I was included in the story?”

You’re lucky if you’ve never experienced that sinking feeling in your gut because you, or your client, weren’t quoted in a story after a media interview.

Definitely not a fun experience! …Read more…