Press podcast

Submitted by terrih on Friday May 15th, 2009 1:26 pm
in

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I had to laugh when I saw the new podcast on dealing with the press... I had just heard an anecdote from one of our Directors about a time at a previous employer when TV reporters got in his face.

Yes, he said "No comment"... and they wouldn't take that for an answer. They blocked him from getting into his car. When the camera bumped him in the back of the head, he pushed the lens away from his head saying "Excuse me," and the cameraman said "Don't touch the camera!"

My point being, whether you work in a high-visibility industry like I do (airline) or not, be prepared for any type of behavior if the press should get hold of what they consider a hot lead. (Whether it really means anything or not.)

Our Employee Manual has general policies for dealing with the press, and we also have a manual on what to do should one of our planes crash (heaven forfend!!) Only the President of the company and a designated spokesperson talk to the press, period!

I'm not in a safety-sensitive position, so I have a tendency to think the press wouldn't bother with me... so I'm glad Mark made the point that a reporter might grab ANYone, once they get rebuffed by enough executives.

Thanks again M&M!

Submitted by simonspeichert on Friday May 15th, 2009 4:18 pm

On the back of my ID card

On the back of my ID card there are instructions on what to do if approached by the media. They consist of "no comment" and giving the phone number for the director of communications. I work for a branch of government, so it makes sense.

I know this could seem like common sense, but I see this guidance stretching to talking to other non-employees. Clients, stakeholders, vendors... I can think of one specific time in the past where someone who worked alongside my previous employer was practically goading me into saying something negative. I managed to avoid that one, but some folks just aren't aware that even the tiniest slip of the tongue can have lasting repercussions.

Submitted by terrih on Tuesday May 19th, 2009 1:29 pm

And regulators!

Like if you're subject to government oversight (in my company's case, the FAA). Although, in such a case, you shouldn't have to get your guidance here... your company's upper management should educate everyone. Your ID card is a great idea!

Submitted by jhack on Thursday May 21st, 2009 2:47 pm

Today's WSJ has an

Today's WSJ has an article about bloggers being sued by companies they write about:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124287328648142113.html

Simon, your point is well taken: if you post / talk to the press / blog / tweet / whatever about any company or person, you need to be aware of any liabilities you might incur.

I know someone who posts online about a topic that is controversial and complex, and they have a lawyer review their writing before it goes out.

John Hack

Submitted by malekz on Friday May 22nd, 2009 2:41 am

Press and the perception of Status Quo/Reality

Folks,

M&M did it again - another fabulous podcast!

1) Usually for each podcast there is an option to "Login or register to post comments" but not for "Press Relations" podcasts!!

2) This forum is also one form of the new media, so I must be careful about what I'm saying here!

Great practical advice on how to deal with the new media but nothing that surprised me. In essence, all discussions were variations on the general theme of taking care of the status quo - which many word mincers call it "Reality" as well - and the perception of it. "Perception is Reality" runs deep in all aspects of life and business in the U.S. Make sure the press will not change the perception we want the public to have.

As usual I'll be looking forward to the upcoming podcasts from M&M. The only thing I won't be excited about to listen to would be a podcast on "Change and Change Management" from them. For M&M "Change" is their Achilles’ heel. Why? ... No Comment!

Submitted by jhack on Friday May 22nd, 2009 8:54 am