Speaking to a journalist can be a good experience, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully so your message is clear and accurate.
The first step is to understand the journalist’s purpose
Ask politely what the story is about, what angle they are exploring, and why they want to speak with you. This helps you gauge how your comments may be used and ensures you are comfortable.
Think about what you want to say
Before the conversation, take a moment to collect your thoughts. Identify the points you want to communicate and keep them concise. Journalists often work to tight deadlines, so clarity matters. It’s perfectly acceptable to slow down, think, and even make notes. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so.
NCTJ qualifications are beneficial for those wanting to pursue a career, and more information is available from https://newsassociates.co.uk/what-is-the-nctj. It’s also useful to use social media to interact with other writers and editors.
Request something to be off the record
If the subject is sensitive, set boundaries. In the UK, you can request that certain details remain off the record, but this must be clearly agreed upon before you share the information. Do not assume privacy unless it is confirmed. Always speak calmly and stay factual. This will also help prevent your words from being taken out of context. Check whether the journalist needs correct spellings of names, dates, or organisations too. Accuracy is important. Journalists usually won’t share an entire article before publication, but you can ask them to verify direct quotes with you.
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