1. Media Training: How Not to Become Famous

2. About Me Degree in broadcast journalism from Penn State
2 years in TV News, 9 in newspapers, 4 in radio
MECA Communications Director/Rural Montana editor for 6+ years

3. It’s Not What You Say, It’s What They Hear
What we mean vs. how it’s taken
If public event or driving to a situation, plan ahead
Be clear and concise, don’t get cute
Control the soundbite because they control the edit

4. The Power Of Controlling the Edit

5. The Power Of Controlling the Edit

6. Going Viral For The Wrong Reasons
Three ways you can get yourself in trouble:
TV interview
Mobile “journalism”
The “helpful” member

7. TV Interview Guidelines
Used to be easy to spot
Co-op often has a stock answer prepared
Easily deflected
But…Times have changed

8. A New Age For Interviews
TV/Newspapers no longer tomorrow’s news
Be prepared to be on air before being asked
There is no second take or editing when “LIVE”

9. How to handle TV/reporter interview
If comfortable and authorized, answer questions briefly and directly
If not authorized, deflect in a helpful way
Direct to someone on scene if possible, but give them time to prep

10. How To Handle TV/Reporter Interview
Avoid “No comment” and “I’m not allowed….”
Use a member-focused response
“I’m not sure how many people are out, we’re just doing our best to get them all back on as quickly as possible. I’m sure the office can help you with that.”
“Our crews/employees are handling the situation, but our manager should be able to get you that information.”

11. New “Journalism” – No Chance To Say No
No longer just the TV camera
Legit journalists going Live on Social Media
EVERYONE has a camera
People with no training, ethics standards or boss are now the interviewer

12. Handling Non-Professional With A Cellphone
If interview, follow rules for TV interview.
You are likely live, you can’t be edited.
Don’t convict someone
Goal for the interviewer is to go viral. Stupidity and vulgarity are easy ways to do this
Keep your cool, politely go about your job
Remember they control the start and stop

13. TV isn’t here, but Rhoda Young is….

14. And she isn’t worried how her subjects look

15. When “Helpful” … Isn’t
Members may tape you to say thanks, or because they appreciate the work you do
This is good… until it isn’t
One well-meaning video with an OSHA or other violation could expose co-op to fines or lawsuits

16. Prevent The Helpful Video From Hurting
Nothing to see here
Always assume you are being filmed
Be safe, follow policies and regulations

17. A Quick Recap Be prepared to be interviewed
Assume you are always being filmed
Be courteous and keep any denial member-focused
Be safe at all times, follow policies and regulations