Respect the Reporter's Deadline

A reporter calls at 3 p.m. to ask you a question about a story.

"Oh, great, thanks for thinking of me," you respond. "When do you need it?"

"Now."

Pause.

From any other professional, this last-minute call may seem rude and get your mind going into the "how-dare-they" zone.

But consider a reporter's profession -- the very essence of which, it last-minute. Up-to-the-minute updates. Breaking news. You heard it here first.

These aren't just empty promises, they are the ways reporters have to function to stop on top of the news. And the adrenaline is pumping because it's 3 p.m. and they have to write a story and be ready to go to press or go on air at 5 p.m.

So it may be that if you have a business, organization or are otherwise involved in some newsworthy venture, a reporter may call you for a comment on a related story.

If they do, don't panic. They called you because you have somehow established yourself as knowledgeable on the topic. Rely on that knowledge and answer the questions to the best of your ability. And if you don't know about the particular situation or issue, say that you can't comment.

But don't chicken out. Don't tell them you have to call them back so you can give them some prepared, plastic statement.

Believe me, if a reporter knows they can call you in a crunch for a great, concise quote, you have just made a new friend.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc.  With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how they can get media attention for their programs and efforts. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.