Be prompt and helpful when responding to reporters

When a reporter calls it’s because they believe your point of view or background will be helpful in writing an accurate and fair story. Since reporters work on deadlines, it is important to get back to them in a timely fashion. These simple rules will prove you to be an invaluable and reliable source to reporters.

• Always return phone calls and e-mails to reporters seeking comment on issues concerning you and your organization within a couple hours

• Make sure the information given to reporters is helpful

• If you do not know the answer to a reporter’s question, either forward them on to someone who would know the answer or offer to find the answer and call them back as soon as possible

• Do not answer yes or no when answering a reporter’s question. Give full quotes and observations

• Avoid saying “no comment” when answering questions. If you cannot answer a question that is asked, explain why and move onto the next

• Speak in easy to understand language. Legal descriptions can confuse your audience

• Keep your message concise, reporters have a limited amount of space to fill

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