No matter what industry you are in, it is likely that at some point you will need to interact with the media, whether it be through print, television, radio, or online sources. It may happen during good times for your company, during a crisis, or somewhere in between.
Whatever circumstance you find yourself in when approached by the media, it is important to remember that the reporter wants to ask the same basic questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How? Before you speak with the media, it is vital that your leadership prepares answers to these questions.
The media, and not just television, craves visuals and sounds to tell your story. Keep this in mind when responding to their inquiries. While it may feel easier to just go with a “no comment” response, remember that if you don’t give the media some type of answer (whether visually or audibly), they will get the information from someone else and you will lose the opportunity to control the story being told.
Navigating the media landscape can sometimes be challenging, but how you handle it can make a significant impact on how your company is portrayed publicly. The experienced Public Affairs professionals at Michael Best Strategies are experts at media relations. If could use help working with the media, please contact us!
