What To Do If a Reporter Calls Unexpectedly

In the world wide web era, no one is immune from a call from the
press. Having a strong presence online with a good  newsroom is
a critical component of a proactive marketing/business development plan.
So what should lawyers do you when a reporter calls unexpectedly?

Here's a checklist:

1. Don’t ignore the call or e-mail. (Be grateful that somehow they have
found you). Return phone calls within 15 minutes, even if you don’t know
why they are calling you. Don’t wait 24 hours.

2. Find out the parameters of the story, when the story is due, what specifically
the reporter is seeking. They may be looking for a quote from you or
some sources from you. Either way, you want to be remembered as the
person who tried to help them. Not the lawyer who ignored them!

3. If you are the source and you are not prepared, ask for an hour so that
you can collect your thoughts.

4. If you don’t know the answers, or don't wish to discuss a particular case, don’t leave them hanging. Contact the reporter and let him know so that he can proceed to the next source.

5. Suggest other sources and contacts who are pertinent to the story and who
might be worth while talking to.

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Comments

[Debbie Phillips]

As a former Governor's press secretary, I could ever stress these rules enough because same applies to public officials. Great job, Paramjit!!