MEDIA INTERVIEW BEWARE

Yes, it's true, you have to be really careful with any media interview, particularly if you're dealing with Western media. A lot of them have a "gotcha" mentality which means they're after something sensational, quirky or different to make their name at their TV station, radio outlet or newspaper.

Guess what else they're doing? If it's one of those dreaded "doorstop" interviews, often they're appealing to opposition news directors at the TV stations in their city or area. They know these people are constantly scanning the competition, looking for good talent and if someone stands out in a doorstop interview as running the pack, asking the best questions and just dominating the subject, then those news directors become interested.

The journalists in the field know this and will play to that gallery, using you the subject as meat in the sandwich - IF YOU LET THEM!

Don't forget that line. The media can do lots of nasty things to you, like wrecking your career for one, IF YOU LET THEM. You have to stand up to them at times and be firm in getting your points across and not only theirs.

When Henry Kissinger was Secretary of State for the USA in the 1970s he used to stride into huge media conferences and ask the crowd: "Okay, anyone here got any questions to go with my answers". Henry knew the ropes allright.

It also pays to give the media something quirky or different (that's better than sensational) in any media interview because this can satisfy their insatiable thirst for entertainment along with their information. Don't forget that. You have to deliver your information in an entertaining way if you want the media to use you and use you often as well as use more of your material each time.

The media interview - a very important (integral) part of your media relations strategy.
Want more information about handling the media? Pop into http://www.kelly.com.au
Thanks Kel!