Ask the Asker
Posted November 16th, 2007Here’s the scenario: In some ways a dream come true. Instead of you chasing media attention, they are calling you. A reporter you don’t know calls, asking for a quick interview. You’re not sure whether you’re being quoted or in what direction the reporter is taking the story.
Most reporters are above board and are going to be straight with you. But it never hurts to be cautious even when you’re trying to be helpful. To take some of the potential danger out of this situation, try asking a few questions.
After the reporter’s introduction and brief description of the reason for the phone call, start asking questions. Your first question should be, “What’s your deadline?” You want to be helpful and being mindful of the deadline is a key way to do that. Then you can ask more about the subject of the story.
Ask about the information the reporter has and who the reporter has talked to already. This will give you a sense of story’s direction. It will also allow you to offer your own information in context of what the others have said.
If you’re still uncomfortable after the interview, ask the reporter to review what you have said. You can also fax or e-mail the reporter your main points.
It is always preferable to do interviews in person, even in today’s electronic world. Meeting the reporter face-to-face allows you to add a personal touch to the interview and to your professional relationship with him or her.
But if you have to do the interview over the phone…asking a few key questions will help you give the reporter what they’re looking for and protect you from any unhappy surprises come story day.
