Media Briefing Tips

When you provide people from the media with a briefing, keep the following points in mind:

1.             Journalists are in the business of bringing news to their audiences that is interesting and, if possible, compelling.

2.             Bring out brief points that are likely to be of interest to the general public.

3.             Clarify in your own mind what you want the media to do for you.

4.             Provide the media with an angle they can work with to put your viewpoint across to others.

5.             Supply good reasons why the media will want to use your information.

6.             If possible, provide some good quotes or lines the media can use right away.

7.             Keep your briefing short, simple, and to the point.

8.             Keep your tone friendly and open throughout.

9.             Be sure of your facts and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know’. Never exaggerate or stretch the truth.

10.            Be prepared to provide media with contacts who can add first-hand experience or be a source of additional information.

11.            Don’t be disappointed if your efforts don’t result in immediate coverage. ‘Planting the seed’ can often generate coverage at a later point.