This document provides guidance for interacting with journalists and the press. It discusses what makes a good news story, such as timing, significance, proximity, prominence, and human interest. It also outlines how journalists get stories by assigning them and doing first-hand research through interviews. The document lists things people should know when speaking to journalists, such as being "on the record," "on background," or "off the record." It reminds people to be careful about what they say publicly and advises keeping interactions with journalists simple, focused on key messages, and providing contact information.

1. The press and you
8/21/13

2. Hi

4. Why?

5. What does a story look like?

7. What is the journalist looking
for?

8. • Timing
– NEWs
• Significance
– Impact?
• Proximity
– LB post covers LB

9. • Prominence
– President > cat stuck in a tree
• Human Interest
– Emotional – lost dog found, solider returns
home.
A good story

10. How do they get a good story?

11. Pretty much…
• Story gets assigned
• First hand research
– Interviews

12. Five things to know
• On the record
– Everything you say can be used in the article
• On background
– Can not use names
• Not for attribution
– Can not use name but use another detail
• Off the record
– Nothing you say can be used

13. Reminders
• You’re in public…
• Journalist should ask to record you
– You can say no
• Anyone could be a “journalist”
– Bloggers, Facebookers, twitters, myspacers, li
vejournalers

14. Watch yo’ self
• Keep it simple
• Think about the environment
• Give the key message
• Get contact info
• Be confident