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How to work with the media
Working with local media can be a useful and cost efficient way to get your information across to the public. The main thing is to make sure the messages you deliver to the media are timely, accurate, and interesting!
Here are some general points to consider.
When creating press releases:
- keep it as short as possible without missing out vital information
- avoid jargon/acronyms/technical terms
- ensure vital information: who, what, when, where, and how is at the top of the release
- focus on what is new or interesting about the story
- include dates, times, and venues
- include statistics where possible
- include quotes
- operational information for journalists (such as arrangements for an event and contact details for further information) can be included in a notes to editors section or in a covering email/fax rather than in the main body of the release.
When setting up an interview:
- get full details of the interviewing journalist full name, position (editor, political correspondent), contact details.
- research their publication online, look for previous articles to get an idea of the angle they may be coming from
- if it is a television or radio interview, find out if it will be live or pre-recorded. Ask for a pre-record if possible.
- try to get an idea of the types of questions they want answering. If the journalist strays from the subject, you can say you are sticking to the subject that you have been asked to speak about.
When being interviewed:
- decide on three key messages
- refer back to them as much as you can
- don't try to tackle a question you don't know the answer to. You are entitled to say that it isn't in your area of expertise.
- if the interview is pre-recorded, then don't be afraid to ask to answer the question again (within reason!).
Producing fact sheets on particular issues or events can also help when dealing with journalists.
Associated documents
Press release templates promoting the annual canvass:
How to work with the media
Working with local media can be a useful and cost efficient way to get your information across to the public. The main thing is to make sure the messages you deliver to the media are timely, accurate, and interesting!
Here are some general points to consider.
When creating press releases:
- keep it as short as possible without missing out vital information
- avoid jargon/acronyms/technical terms
- ensure vital information: who, what, when, where, and how is at the top of the release
- focus on what is new or interesting about the story
- include dates, times, and venues
- include statistics where possible
- include quotes
- operational information for journalists (such as arrangements for an event and contact details for further information) can be included in a notes to editors section or in a covering email/fax rather than in the main body of the release.
When setting up an interview:
- get full details of the interviewing journalist full name, position (editor, political correspondent), contact details.
- research their publication online, look for previous articles to get an idea of the angle they may be coming from
- if it is a television or radio interview, find out if it will be live or pre-recorded. Ask for a pre-record if possible.
- try to get an idea of the types of questions they want answering. If the journalist strays from the subject, you can say you are sticking to the subject that you have been asked to speak about.
When being interviewed:
- decide on three key messages
- refer back to them as much as you can
- don't try to tackle a question you don't know the answer to. You are entitled to say that it isn't in your area of expertise.
- if the interview is pre-recorded, then don't be afraid to ask to answer the question again (within reason!).
Producing fact sheets on particular issues or events can also help when dealing with journalists.
Associated documents
Press release templates promoting the annual canvass:
