Toolkit with Report Form - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic ...

◗ If you make a mistake or don’t like what
you are saying, STOP, then start over. If you
change your mind about something you’ve
said, make it known while the camera is still
on. Don’t wait.
◗ It’s okay to say you don’t know the answer
to something or you don’t have the information
requested at your fingertips. Offer to get back
to the reporter with the information and then
do so in a timely manner.
Section Six
◗ Expect that a lengthy interview may be
edited to a minute of actual airtime.
Radio Interview Tips
◗ Ask about the station’s audience so you
know to whom you are speaking.
◗ Contact the station a few weeks before the
event you want covered.
◗ Sometimes if the station can’t send
a reporter to your event they will do a
telephone interview with you.
◗ Remember that radio is an auditory
medium. Create word pictures for the listener.
Tell them what you want them to see.
◗ Because of the immediacy of radio, radio
reporters have little time to track down
experts on a breaking news story. Make
yourself known as an expert spokesperson
on domestic violence, and share your contact
information so they can call you when they
need you.
General Media Tips for Advocates
◗ If you can’t answer a reporter’s question
because of confidentiality issues, explain
that you can neither confirm nor deny who
is or was a client of your program. Speak
generally about the issue of domestic
violence. Use the opportunity to inform
and educate without getting into the
specifics a case.
◗ Treat the media with courtesy. Build a
relationship with reporters so you can
have some influence over how they present
domestic violence issues. Praise them when
they do a good job. Don’t just call them to
complain.
◗ Pitch story ideas to reporters you trust.
Don’t be disappointed if they can’t do
every story. Be aware that the media are
often hungry for stories at slow news times
(between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day,
August, etc.).
◗ Educate the media about the problems
of victim-blaming, victim stereotyping,
romanticizing domestic violence and
excusing offender behavior. Give the
media a better understanding of the victims’
perspective.
◗ Prepare for interviews. Ask about the
interview’s focus and what kinds of questions
you should expect. Gather up-to-date facts
and statistics. Prepare talking points you
want to cover. Know the audience to whom
you will be speaking.
◗ Dress professionally for interviews. Speak
clearly. Maintain eye contact with the
interviewer. Limit hand gestures.
◗ Keep answers brief but informative. Don’t
use jargon or acronyms.
◗ Avoid saying “no comment.” It sounds
evasive and unfriendly.
When Crisis Strikes | Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence | 2012
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