Home
>
Public Relations
>
Media Training - Essentials for ALL Office Professionals

Media Training - Essentials for ALL Office Professionals

Often the first point of contact the media has with an organisation is with the front desk or receptionist. Although designated people within a company may have the training and skills needed to interact with the media, the first point of contact within an organisation can make or break a journalists perception of the company and may impact on how they report about your business.

Here are ten tips on how to be media savvy for all office professionals.

1. Have a Formal Media Policy.

Every organisation should have a policy on talking to the media. A formal policy helps minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities when dealing with the media. It is important to also understand and update this policy. Often a company might have a media relations policy but it is dated or the designated person may be on holidays, always know who is available, their role and how to contact them.

2. List by name in the organisation who can and who can't talk to the media.

This is the basis of a good media policy and well run organisations have clearly designated responsibilities in this area. Again have this list updated regularly, you never know when the media will contact your company.

3. Make sure everyone understands the policy and it is well communicated throughout the organisation.

It is important to communicate the media policy to all front line team members. This is especially important in an emergency or crisis situation. Often roles change and it is better to be prepared and professional.

4. Act as a gatekeeper.

Good office professionals are the heartbeat of an organisation and control the flow of information. A good executive assistant can play a vital role in acting as a gatekeeper and controlling access to key decision makers in an organisation. Always be able to direct all enquiries to relevant people.

5. Be courteous.

Remember the media's impression of you represents the whole organisation and may influence how they report on your company.

6. Ask the journalist for their name, organisation, contact details and most importantly, their DEADLINE.

In the media, seconds make a difference whether a story makes the news or not. Take time to collect the vital information and make it a priority.

7. Always call back within an hour.

This ensures the journalist knows what is happening prior to the deadline and helps them better plan for their story. It also shows interaction, even if your not prepared for the interview or are still unable to make a statement, let the journalists know your progress.

8. Don't be drawn into speculation.

The media are highly trained at extracting information from people. They are some of the most persuasive professionals in the world. Be disciplined and avoid speculation. Always explain who you are and why you cannot give further information. Never lie or guess.

9. Assume everything you say is on the record.

Many journalists will use the line they only want background information and it will not be on the record (i.e. published or broadcast). In my experience it is better to avoid any grey areas and assume every time you speak to a journalist it will be used and in the public domain.

10. Review and evaluate.

If you have been involved with the media - whether positive or negative - it is always worthwhile to review your policies and procedures. Simply ask two questions - what worked well and what could we improve for next time. Monitoring your media also keeps you informed on how your company is being perceived by the public.

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com

Culver prom limo ..

In The News:

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.

Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.

A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.

The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.

Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.

Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.

If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.

Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.

The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.

Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.

Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.

The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.

The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The FBI is warning the public about a recent phishing scam via text that claims its targets owe money in Pennsylvania for unpaid road toll charges.

Your Apple Music settings may be revealing to your contacts what you're listening to. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the process to change those settings.

Media Training - Essentials for ALL Office Professionals

Public Relations