Saying yes or no to requests

How do you decide whether or not to agree to a media volunteer request? Here’s how three people decide what to do when we contact them:

David Clark:

"The first question I would ask myself is:

  • Do I have anything useful to contribute by way of informing people or participating in a debate?
  • Next, do I have the time to give an interview and negotiate what to say and what not to say?
  • Can the interviewer be trusted to report what I say in a straight forward and sympathetic way? Or will it be quoted out of context or sensationalised?
  • Can I cope with the consequences if the interview is unsympathetic or quoted out of context?
  • Can I make my points succinctly and convincingly? The soundbite is all important. Points have to be made in a few words.
  • Finally, do not be disappointed if the interview is never published. It happens because of editorial pressures or because it does not fit the story conceived by the journalist.

If I am happy with all of these points, I would go ahead with an interview."

Cartoon by Matthew Burke

Stuart Baker-Brown:

"The first thing I do after being approached about an interview is to find out as much detail as I can about what may be required from me by the journalist.

For example: who the journalist is, why do they want to do the interview, who will see or hear the finished work, what do they wish to ask me about, how long will the interview last, how many questions, and finally what type of questions?

For me, to also ascertain if I wish to go ahead with the interview, I feel it vital to ask:

  • Will I be able to see the finished article before it appears in the newspaper/magazine?
  • Can anything I am not happy with be withdrawn from the article before publication?

I feel that these two are very important questions and answers to both should be given before a media volunteer finally decides to go forward with the interview. These two questions can only protect the media volunteer’s wishes and can give them some much needed control and power over the final outcome.

I never make the choice to fully commit to the interview until I have spoken to the journalist and ascertained what is needed and if I can really help.

If I don’t feel that I can deal with the journalist or interview successfully and that the right message will not be reported, it may be best that someone more appropriate works with the journalist or broadcaster to get the right message across."

 

 

Taking a break

Stuart says: “It can be very hard work and emotionally very stressful and draining. Make sure that you want to do it before you agree to anything. Never be afraid to tell the journalist that you don’t want to carry on, that you need a break!”

 

Preparation pays off

Devon Marston says: "Before talking to the media you must first prepare to be interviewed. This will enable the journalist to be more interested in what you are saying. One example of this is when I was interviewed down my home telephone line by BBC Radio London on the subject of young people smoking marijuana and how its affect can cause long-term mental health problems. Whilst being interviewed on this subject I had no experience and I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t prepare myself.”