As we’ve mentioned before, working with journalists isn’t difficult – although there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are 9 Dos and Don’ts for working with the media.
Remember these 9 Dos and Don'ts when working with the media
Do:
- Say please and thank you – Being polite and keeping a friendly tone can go a long way. Even if the reporter is short and cryptic, maintain a helpful, professional tone and remember to include a “please” and “thank you.”
- Respond quickly, concisely, thoroughly – Most journalists have short deadlines, so if they ask for something respond quickly, include everything they ask for and leave out the fluff.
- Ask what their deadline is – If they do ask for something you don’t have at your fingertips, ask what their deadline is. This will let you know if you need to drop everything to take a few new photos or if it can wait until later tonight.
- Include links – Always include a link to your website in any email communication. This will make it that much easier for them to find your site when putting their story together, so they can refer to it for more information and (hopefully) include it in the article.
- Follow up (nicely) – Journalists have a LOT on their plate, so following up is a must. Make sure to spread it out and keep it nice, though. Think of it as pleasant persistence as opposed to pushy impatience.
Don’t:
- Tell them anything you don’t want published – Assume they’ll include anything you tell them. If you don’t want it published, don’t say or write it.
- Try to entice them by telling them their competition already covered it – Journalism can be competitive, and most media professionals won’t touch a story with a ten-foot pole if they know their competitors already covered it.
- Ask if they got your email, voicemail, news release or press kit – Reporters receive hundreds of emails, voicemails, news releases and press kits every day, so asking if they got it is a waste of their time and yours. Instead, add something of value to your original pitch.
- Ask if you can review / edit their story before it’s published – The answer is almost always no, and if you ask chances are you’ll just annoy the journalist.
What do you think? Is there anything you would add to this list?
Photo Credit: TheLichfieldBlog