In Media Training 101,
Sally Stewart explains what NOT to say to a reporter.
What are some of the phrases to be avoided?
“This story will really help
me/my company/my sales”
A reporter is writing about you
because you are news,
not to help you.
“What’s your angle?”
Angle=Ulterior Motive=Bad Reporting
Any headline question
You’ll look like a jacka$$.
Reporters don’t write headlines.
“Let me send you free XYZ”
Freebies=Bribes=Bad Reporting
“Can I see the story before it is published?”
Doesn’t happen and is insulting to the reporter
and
“To Tell The Truth…”
implies you weren’t telling the truth
throughout the interview.