When the journalist calls

Good cooperation between expert and journalist

The healthcare sector provides the media with good material. Researchers and other experts at AU Health are therefore sometimes contacted by journalists.

Many people have tried this, but some people are uncertain about how to deal with a call from a journalist.

It can be a good idea to have this list of general advice at hand when dealing with journalists.

When the journalist calls

Ask questions

What is the journalist’s name and which media is he/she from?
Why is he/she ringing - what is the story about?
Will you be providing quotes or background information?
What is your role in the article?
Who else will be participating?
If you would like to have time to think things over, you can call the journalist later.

Your approach

Be friendly and accommodating
View the interview as a collaboration and an opportunity to share your knowledge
Avoid specialised or technical terminology
Use easily understandable language
Provide short, specific answers
Have a clear and simple message, which you stick to throughout the interview
Speak truthfully
Ask the journalist to send your quotes to you for approval and offer to review the article for factual errors
Respect the journalist's deadline
Inform your manager and/or the communications department