How to Talk to a Reporter

Whether you are a public relations professional or a regular Joe who happens to be in the public eye for your 15 minutes of fame, there are some key guidelines to keep in mind if a news reporter asks to talk with you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Don't talk if you don't want to. There is absolutely nothing that compels you to talk to a news reporter, who is trained to get the story at just about any cost even if it involves cajoling, conniving or bullying. Say, "No comment," or just ignore the reporter.
2. Remember that there is no such thing as "off the record." Whenever you talk to a news reporter, everything you say is fair game to show up in your hometown newspaper the next day. In fact, thanks to the Internet, your comments could gain national attention if the article is picked up by national media on a slow news day.
3. Stick to the question asked, and make your point quickly. Whether you are trying to get free publicity for a charity event or defend dear old Aunt Josie's practice of keeping 100 cats in her one-bedroom apartment, keep it short, sweet and to the point.
4. Request a correction. Between the time you talk with the news reporter and the story is distributed, the article passes through many sets of hands. Reporters, editors and proofreaders all have an opportunity to introduce errors. If your quotes or position have been misrepresented, request that the newspaper, television station or website issue a correction in the next edition. If they refuse, consider writing a letter to the editor to correct the information.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you are in charge. News reporters rely on you for information. Without sources such as you, the reporter doesn't have a story. It can be hard to keep this fact in focus when facing a throng of possibly pushy news reporters under stressful circumstances.