Media Relations: 101

Leonard Assante - Host, The Loyal Opposition Radio Show | Comms Professor, Vol State Community College
Rachel Campbell - Vice-Chair, TN Democratic Party | Chair, Hamilton County Democratic Party
Megan Lange - Comms & Outreach Chair, TNDP | Podcast Host, Story Garden Pod | Owner, ML Consulting

len@theloyalopposition.online | rachelcampbell4tn@gmail.com | megan@meganlange.co

Rachel Campbell - Interview with News12

Interview Prep Questions:

  • What topics are you going to be discussing with the reporter?

  • Is there background info you should read up on before your interview?

  • What is the message you want viewers/readers to take away from your interview?

    • What should I make sure to say?

  • What is the message you don’t want viewers/readers to take away from your interview?

    • What should I make sure to avoid saying?

  • If you’re representing an organization, do you know the organization’s stance on the interview subject?

    Interview Tips

  • Build camaraderie or rapport with the reporter (if possible) - this will help for future situations where you may be asked for a statement or additional interview.

    • Always offer to jump on a follow-up call or email if needed (Rachel’s interview had a great example).

  • Ask the reporter to send over the interview questions in advance. This isn’t always possible, but it’s helpful when it is!

  • Make your point concisely - you’re not writing an essay. Strong but simple sentences make the best sound-clips.

    • If you make a good point but continue talking about it, you may lose your credibility. Once you’ve made your point, don’t harp on it!

  • In a live interview, it’s better to admit you don’t know and offer to follow-up than it is to make up an answer.

  • Be sure to have a list of topics or questions YOU want to answer. Interviewers often ask something like “Is there anything else you’d like to say?” This should also include any websites or contact information you’d like to have publicly shared.

General Media Tips

  • Build a list of local reporters and media personnel. When you need to send out a press release or drop details about an upcoming story, it’s helpful to have the contact info handy.

    • If you have a relationship with a reporter, feel free to send them tips about stories they may be interested in covering.

  • Writing a press release may seem daunting, but we promise it’s doable!

    • Grammarly has a great guide on writing press releases here: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/press-release/

    • Remember, even if a news outlet doesn’t immediately use your press release, the fact that you send it means your name or organization will be on their mind. This is helpful when trying to get media coverage later on.

  • Always remember to research the political leanings of any news source you submit a story to. For instance, you would send a different press release to The Tennessean than you would The Tennessee Holler! Tweak the stories as needed.