Tips on working with reporters.
The UB Media Relations Office works closely with local, regional and national media to:
- respond to their inquiries
- encourage them to tell our stories
- quote our administrators, faculty, staff and students
On occasion, Media Relations will refer reporters to you. When they do, they will try to alert you ahead of time.
Sometimes, a reporter will contact you directly.
If contacted by a reporter inform Ed Morrison, Chief Marketing Officer, to prepare for the interview.
The following guidelines will help you know what to do when a reporter calls you and how best to participate in an interview, should you choose to do so.
- Before scheduling a television interview, ask the reporter what material will be covered and, if needed, tell him what topics you will not comment on. If a reporter refuses to provide this information, you can always decline the interview. If a reporter says he will not ask questions on a topic and then does so on the air, let Media Relations know immediately.
- Provide the reporter with a brief paragraph outlining the subject to be discussed and your viewpoints about it, before the interview begins, if possible. Media Relations can help you prepare such a paragraph.
- When dressing for television, color is fine, but it should be subtle. Vertical lines, subdued colors and simple jewelry lend authority and seriousness to your remarks. Wear clothing that provides a relaxed fit while you are sitting.
- Be aware of your posture. If you wear a suit coat or jacket, sit on the tail to prevent it from "riding up" on your neck.
- Watch your body language. Television reporters routinely shake their head during an interview, as if nodding in agreement with the speaker. This can be hypnotic if you are being interviewed, and you may start nodding your head. You may be saying "no," but your head may be saying "yes."
- Stay focused. Avoid becoming too relaxed or familiar with the interviewer or the setting. Missteps in TV interviews occur most commonly not in response to tough questions, but when a speaker loses his focus and talks too much or too carelessly.
- Be on time. There is little or no opportunity to make up missed television interviews.
For information on how staff in Media Relations can assist you, contact them at 645-6969.