Dealing with the MediaDealing with the MediaBest Friend or Worst Enemy?

Laura Click, Public Information OfficerAdministrative Office of the Courts

Do you see the media like this?

Or like this?Or like this?

We tend to think of media We tend to think of media this way…this way…

Or like this…Or like this…

Reporters are people tooReporters are people too

There is a right way…There is a right way…

……and a wrong wayand a wrong way

Here’s what NOT to do…Here’s what NOT to do…

This could have been avoidedThis could have been avoided

From the reporter:“Hospital Director Mivic Hirose ignored our phone

calls for an interview. When we went to a town hall meeting to talk to her, the hospital’s Director of Community Relations Marc Slavin gave us some of the strangest treatment we’ve ever seen.” 

Not a good media strategyNot a good media strategy

When the media calls…When the media calls…

BE RESPONSIVE!BE RESPONSIVE!• Return phone calls & e-mails promptly

• Answer their questions or state why you can’t

• Be helpful

• Educate and inform

Media interview tipsMedia interview tips

• Prepare in advance• State most important information first• Use plain language• Be brief• Never say “no comment”• There is no “off the record”

Courtroom Coverage:Courtroom Coverage:Know the RulesKnow the Rules

Supreme Court Rule 30• Coverage of minor participants (victim, witness or party)

is prohibited• The media may attend juvenile court proceedings• Media coverage of proceedings may occur with consent

of parties and judge

Positive PRPositive PR

• Community involvement or activities• Awards or recognition of judges or court

employees• Positive court stories or events

How to PitchHow to Pitch

• Media Advisory - invites reporters to an event

• Press release – Tell reporters what happened

Develop a relationshipDevelop a relationship

• Be polite• Educate and inform • Correct errors when necessary• Thank them when they get it right

Any questions? Any questions?

Need help?Need help?

Contact me:

Laura Clicklaura.click@tncourts.gov

615-532-6047