Sometimes a media representative calls a faculty member to alert him or her to a reporter's interest, or to ask the faculty member to call the reporter. Final approval for listing is made by the relevant dean or the provost's office. What follows are some suggestions that will help you understand how news is processed and what you can do to maximize your effectiveness in dealing with the media. When a reporter calls, be sure to get a name and media affiliation. If what the reporter wants isn't clear to you, ask for a clear explanation.
Reporters are often under deadline pressure.
This doesn't mean that you are. Don't get pressured into hasty comments that might backfire. If you want more information about a story before responding to a request for an interview, contact a media rep who can make the call for you. Likewise, if you are uneasy with a reporter's query, decline in a friendly way to continue the conversation. Call us and we will help.