Ten Top Media Tips for All Office Professionals
The first point of contact within an organisation can make or break a journalists perception of the company and may impact on how they report about your business.
Dealing with the media often requires organisation and skills. These ten top media tips provide a helpful guide to doing just that
All office professionals require different levels of media training. Here are ten tips to train your staff in media relations.
Often the first point of contact the media has with an organisation is with the front desk or receptionist.
First Point Of Contact
Although designated people within a company may have the training and skills needed to interact with the media, the first point of contact within an organisation can make or break a journalists perception of the company and may impact on how they report about your business.
Ten Top Media Tips
Here are ten tips on how to be media savvy for all office professionals.
1. Have a Formal Media Policy
Every organisation should have a policy on talking to the media.
A formal policy helps minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities when dealing with the media. It is important to also understand and update this policy.
Often a company might have a media relations policy but it is dated or the designated person may be on holiday, always know who is available, their role and how to contact them.
2. Who Can Talk To The Media
List by name in the organisation who can and who can’t talk to the media
This is the basis of a good media policy and well-run organisations have clearly designated responsibilities in this area.
Again have this list updated regularly, you never know when the media will contact your company.
3. Clear Policy
Make sure everyone understands the policy and it is well communicated throughout the organisation
It is important to communicate the media policy to all front-line team members.
This is especially important in an emergency or crisis situation.
Often roles change and it is better to be prepared and professional.
4. Act As A Gatekeeper
Good office professionals are the heartbeat of an organisation and control the flow of information. They need to be able to handle the media reporters’ tricks.
A good executive assistant can play a vital role in acting as a media gatekeeper and controlling access to key decision-makers in an organisation.
Always be able to direct all enquiries to relevant people.
5. Be Courteous
Remember the media’s impression of you represents the whole organisation and may influence how they report on your company. You can further optimise your relationship with media professionals by understanding the seven key barriers to communication.
Ten Top Media Tips
6. Get The Details
Ask the journalist for their name, organisation, contact details, and most importantly, their DEADLINE
In the media, seconds make a difference in whether a story makes the news or not.
Take time to collect the vital information and make it a priority.
7. Always Call Back Within An Hour
This ensures the journalist knows what is happening prior to the deadline and helps them better plan for their story.
It also shows interaction, even if you’re not prepared for the interview or are still unable to make a statement, let the journalists know your progress.
8. Don’t Speculate
Don’t be drawn into speculation
The media are highly trained at extracting information from people. They are some of the most persuasive professionals in the world.
Be disciplined and avoid speculation. Always explain who you are and why you cannot give further information. Never lie or guess.
9. On The Record
Assume everything you say is on the record
Many journalists will use the line they only want background information and it will not be on the record (i.e. published or broadcast). In my experience, it is better to avoid any grey areas and assume every time you speak to a journalist it will be used and in the public domain.
10. Review And Evaluate
If you have been involved with the media – whether positive or negative – it is always worthwhile to review your policies and procedures.
Simply ask two questions – what worked well and what could we improve for next time?
Monitoring your media also keeps you informed on how your company is being perceived by the public.
This article was contributed by Thomas Murrell MBA CSP
Ten Top Media Tips
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