Media Interview – Cheat Sheet

Know what you need to know.

• Whether for radio or print, get the topic and questions first.
• What's the format?
  • If radio is it “live”             
  • “live-to-tape”
  • A background interview?
• Get all the details
  • Do you call? If so, what number?
  • How soon before the interview?
  • Landline or is a cell okay?
• Find out the parameters.
  • How should you correct any errors - during or after?
  • Will they let you know how much time you have left?

Have what you need to know.

• First, have ready; your key messages
• Bridge (aka pivot) statements in mind
• Background information and resources
• Call-to-action, if appropriate (i.e. check out our website at www.???)

During the Interview:

• Don't know? Don't guess.
• Take notes as you go.
• Do not repeat bad or incorrect information - Instead, bridge to accurate information with phrases like "Well, I can't speak to that - but what I can say is …” or “What's important to know is..."

Check out a printable version of the Media Cheat Sheet by clicking here.

Resources: Amy Cloud, Communications and Outreach, City of Bellingham, WA