Dealing with the media

Procedure
If someone from the media contacts you directly and you are uncomfortable or unsure about handling an interview situation, call Bob Ashenmacher (x6075) for assistance. If the request pertains to a matter of your expertise or responsibility, feel free to respond directly. If others within the College can best answer the questions, refer the caller to Bob Ashenmacher. After answering a press query, please inform us. We may decide to issue a news release of our own on the topic to other media.

Tips
Some reporters may ask you to comment on a controversial topic with the promise that, if you so wish, your name will not be used. Unless you personally know the reporter and situation, it is unwise do so. When offering a personal opinion on a subject, make certain that the reporter understands that you are speaking for yourself, and not for your colleagues or the College. Reporters are under no obligation to show their news source the final copy and they rarely, if ever, do so. Do not assume that you will see the story before it is published or broadcast. Do not assume everything you say will be used. Time and space constraints keep most stories short. Try to keep your answers short and simple. Prompt handling of press queries and an atmosphere of goodwill encourage reporters to seek us out for information and, above all else, help to provide for accurate and balanced news.