RESPONDING TO THE
MEDIA
|
How we can help you with the media . . .
A guide for faculty and staff |
Anybody who answers the phone has a big responsibility when a reporter calls. A number of things have already happened before you get an initial call from a reporter. Usually, the reporter is on a deadline, has talked with an editor about the story, and you may be one among many being interviewed.
The Mt. SAC Public Information Office can help you do the best you can in being responsive to the media. When you receive a call or a personal visit from a member of the media, you should contact the Public Information Office immediately. Our role is to have all media calls directed to the Public Information Office first so we can respond promptly to the inquiry and research the issue when necessary. If the request pertains to your area of specialty, we will contact you to make certain the information we provide the media is accurate.
If there is a campus emergency or if you are aware of a key issue that may be critical, please call the Public Information Office. Experience has taught us that when there is a campus concern, we should be the ones releasing all information so that reporters can produce accurate stories. Our primary goal is to encourage our media representatives to share the many positive attributes of Mt. SAC with our community. |
| Three Tips to Remember |
- Everything that is said to a reporter is "on the record." The best reporters will rarely, if ever, ask you to talk "off the record." Always keep comments to reporters clear, short, and simple. Everything that is said may be quoted and some reporters use tape recorders. In a crisis, you may suddenly find yourself facing not only a reporter, but a video camera and microphone too.
- As an employee of Mt. San Antonio College, you represent the College on whatever issue you are being asked about. Think about what you are being asked and your role at Mt. San Antonio College. There is no need to panic or be upset about media questions. If you don't have an answer to a reporter's question, say so.
- All information shared in closed meetings of the Board of Trustees is private and not to be discussed with the media by employees of the College. Closed sessions are by law designed to provide a confidential forum for public boards to deal with employee, student, and legal matters. All decisions reached in closed meetings are acted on in public sessions.
|
Mt. San Antonio College enjoys excellent working relationships with the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, and a wide number of community newspapers. Our news releases and public service announcements are sent out to media throughout the region.
We are frequently on the phone with specific reporters assigned to cover the College and they are in our offices and we visit their offices. We make every effort to respond immediately to the reporters and editors.
These guidelines are offered for your consideration. When dealing with media, use your best judgment. The Public Information Office is here to help. We try to capture as much positive publicity as we can for the College. The working relationships we have with the media often put us in the gatekeeper role because we are equipped to provide them with the information needed in the most expedient manner to adhere to their deadlines.
The media expects the Public Information Office to be their first point of contact at the College and the representative voice for the College. Please call us if we can be of service. |
| For more information or to ask questions, please contact us. |
|
