Many company leaders want to be a source for reporters. They want a voice and to be part of a story. Reporters today are on tight deadlines. Staff in a newsroom is smaller and many writers have several things they’re working on all at the same time. When you become a source, consider the reporter’s needs. Give them want they want and you’ll become part of the contact list for future stories.
- Most reporters are working on deadline. Ask the deadline and the story run date upfront to know the time frame.
- Ask the angle of the story and who else is being interview. Often you can suggest sources within your contact list, too.
- In the interview give clear, concise explanations since they must become experts on the topic within hours (we’ve all had months and years).
- Most are looking for a few “sound bytes” for their stories—what’s the byte we want them to take away? Think about it before the interview.
- Most are looking for the top line on the issue, topic and subject (NOTE: You have limited time to educate and inform. Be ready with notes.).
- TV reporters typically have about one and a half minutes to tell the story—speak concisely.
- Print reporters interview several sources and you might just be one “sound byte” in a larger printed story.
- Most reporters do not report on your business every day so we need to recognize they will make mistakes… keep the end goal in mind… awareness.
- All need a source… a talking head… an interviewee…
- Add the final story to your website, email it to clients and prospects and keep it on file.