Home
>
Public Relations
>
Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

When ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced he had lung cancer last month, reporters who cover the media went into breaking news mode.

What did it mean to the future of network news, they wondered? What would ABC News do to recover from the tragic announcement? And what sources could they talk to who would fill them in on the latest rumblings at ABC?

That's when my phone rang. A reporter from PR Week, a prestigious public relations magazine, was ready to interview me. As a former ABC News production coordinator, they thought I might have something to say.

Since the reporter and I had corresponded over e-mail prior to her call, I knew the call would be coming. I took some time to prepare my comments, the same way I coach my clients to do so.

But when the story came out, something had gone terribly awry.

Here's what the author wrote:

"Brad Phillips, a former production coordinator for Nightline who now owns his own PR firm, said the network made a mistake in not grooming an obvious successor for Jennings. 'The day of the star anchor is over,' he said. 'The news about Peter Jennings may be the tipping point that dismantles the news division.'"

Note that last line. Here's what I actually said:

"The sad news about Peter Jennings may be the tipping point that devastates the news division."

Far from proclaiming that ABC News was dismantling its news division, I was saying that the loss could be a deeply hurtful blow for ABC.

Upon reading the article, some Nightline producers walked out of their offices, saying, "Did you see what Brad Phillips said?" They thought one of their own was rubbing the bad news in even further. The only problem, of course, is that I didn't say it.

So how can a full-time media trainer have his quotes reported inaccurately? Simply put, it happens. This is a business of percentages, not perfection, and whenever you're dealing with another person, in this case a reporter, there is a margin of error. But since this was the first misquote I've ever had after dozens of successful interviews through the years, it reinforces that being well prepared for interviews almost always works.

Still, I now personally understand how frustrating it feels to have your name followed by words you didn't say, and I had to temper my instinct to respond with the advice I've always given my clients.

First, I tell clients, the closer you are to a story, the more inaccurate it appears.

Second, if they respond to an error that the reporter regards as a nitpicking point, it could alienate that journalist for future stories.

Third, if a correction is ultimately published, you've then widened the number of people who are aware of the original error ? those who read it the first time, and those who read it as part of the correction.

To be clear, corrections are sometimes warranted. In this case, I didn't deem this infraction serious enough to request one. Instead of assuming the reporter spiced up my quote to add more drama to her story, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt that she had just made an honest mistake.

Ultimately, I did what I tell my clients to do. I contacted my friends at ABC News directly to tell them what happened. I decided not to correct the record with the reporter, since I'd rather have her as an ally for future stories. And the most important thing I will not do, which many clients understandably want to do in these circumstances, is avoid the phone the next time a reporter calls. It's the wrong response. When properly prepared, you'll get it right the vast majority of the time. And I'll take those odds every time.

Brad Phillips is the founder and president of Phillips Media Relations. He was formerly a journalist for ABC News and CNN, and headed the media relations department for the second largest environmental group in the world.

For more information and to sign up for free monthly media relations and media training e-tips, visit http://www.phillipsmediarelations.com

green cleaning service Park Ridge ..

In The News:

Take control of your digital privacy with actionable tips like Facebook privacy checkup, location tracking management and data removal services to protect your personal information.

Smart TVs and streaming devices manufactured in China are being compromised by BadBox 2.0 malware before users even power them on; infections have been detected in 222 countries.

The lightweight, 15-pound Tenniix tennis robot mimics pro playing styles like Nadal and Federer, using AI trained on 8,000 hours of professional tennis data.

Oak Ridge's uranium enrichment facility supports America's AI ambitions amid concerns that China's aggressive nuclear reactor construction could give it an edge in powering data centers.

Facebook scam ads now leverage AI and deepfakes to create convincing celebrity endorsements, targeting specific demographics with sophisticated schemes.

Apple unveils iOS 26, macOS 26 Tahoe and iPadOS 26 with translucent Liquid Glass design at WWDC 2025, featuring ChatGPT integration as competitors advance rapidly.

The Atom Touch prosthetic arm combines an AI neural interface with EMG sensors, allowing amputees to control individual fingers with precision at an affordable $25,000.

Aspen officials aim to have crews on the scene within five minutes — something they say would be nearly impossible without precise location data the AI technology gives.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says iPads are usually secure, but hackers can access them. Spot warning signs early to protect your data.

Tech expert Kurt Knutsson reveals how to easily move photos and videos off your iPhone or Android to securely protect your favorite moments.

The Social Security Administration is launching digital SSN access this summer. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to use it and protect your identity.

Glide underwater with CudaJet and make the ocean your playground. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses the redesigned tech that might be your next big thrilling adventure.

Protect yourself from login alert scams with five security steps, including avoiding suspicious links, checking account activity and enabling two-factor authentication

Skip the usual Father's Day gifts with personalized ideas for tech enthusiasts, home brewers, pool owners, seniors, outdoor lovers and privacy-conscious dads.

DMV text scam alert: Fraudsters impersonating motor vehicle departments nationwide are sending threatening messages about unpaid tickets and tolls to steal your information.

Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.

E-BAR, MIT's mobile robot, provides physical support for seniors with handlebars that follow from behind, helping prevent falls while maintaining dignity for aging adults.

AI is changing everything – now, we can even use it to generate video. I tried OpenAI's Sora and Google's Veo – here's how they measure up against each other.

Five simple phone setting tweaks that make your device work harder for you, from automatic text message deletion to scheduled focus modes.

Android users can save time with 10 simple automations, including automatic battery saver mode, location-based Wi-Fi settings and scheduled "Do Not Disturb" mode.

Personal information from 364,000 people was compromised in a LexisNexis data breach that went undetected for months, highlighting privacy risks.

The Phantom 3500 jet features a windowless design that reduces drag and structural weak points, burning 50% less fuel than conventional business jets.

An Adidas data breach through a third-party vendor exposed customer details like emails and phone numbers, raising concerns about phishing and identity theft risks.

Nurabot, an AI nursing robot, helps Taiwan hospitals address nurse shortages by performing tasks like medication delivery, allowing nurses to focus on patient care.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Google has expanded its privacy tool to easily remove personal information from search results.

Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

Public Relations