The Media

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The Media is our partner in a free and open democracy

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“It is a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.”

Anonymous

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The military communicates with and to the American

people via the media

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“Every Soldier should be prepared to answer questions pertaining to his/her area of responsibility…I truly believe they are our best spokespersons.”

General Dennis Reimer Chief of Staff, U.S.

Army

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You can tell your story…

…or someone else will.

Who will get to Mom first?

Media Interviews… The good news: The American people trust you.

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It’s YOUR interview.

Do it YOUR way.

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SECURITY – Force/Information Protection

ACCURACY – Facts, not conjecture

PROPRIETY – Ethics, good taste

POLICY – Guidance, SOPs

Guidelines For Release of Information (SAPP)

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In all dealings with the media:

• Do be professional

• Do speak on the record

• Do discuss only those things for which you have responsibility or recognized expertise

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In all dealings with the media (continued):

• Don’t speculate or respond to “What if?

• Don’t say it if you don’t want it on the news

• Avoid exact numbers: “Approximately…”

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Command Messages

• Short statements that convey information about your organization; key phrases that you want the public to remember

• Have 3-5 command messages prepared to insert into your comments as you are being interviewed

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Utah Guard Command Messages

• The Utah National Guard protects the homeland here at home and overseas.

• We provide support to the Global War on Terror• The Guard is trained, equipped and ready to

respond to the challenges of the 21st Century.

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Media Interview Tips

1. Stay in your lane. Defer questions outside your area of responsibility to the PAO, who will

arrange an interview with at subject-matter expert.

2. You are in control of the interview. Think before you answer. Take the time you need. Restate your response if necessary.

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Media Interview Tips (continued)

3. Speak in plain English. Avoid acronyms. Use language a sixth-grader would understand.

4. Don’t speculate. It’s OK to say you don’t know the answer.

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Media Interview Tips (continued)

5. Treat the media professionally, even if they become aggressive.

6. Consult with the PAO before doing the interview. He can be present if you desire.

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Media Interview Tips (continued)

7. Use “bridging” to transition from what you cannot talk about to a topic which you can talk about.

Example: “I’m not able to respond to that because (state reason); however I can tell you that (command message).”

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Interview Techniques for TV• Relax; be confident; like you’re with a friend• Speak in short (10-second) sound bites• Make each sound bite a complete thought• Look the interviewer in the eye; don’t let your eyes wander• Use hand gestures naturally• Don’t rock on your heels

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After the Interview:

• Notify your chain of command/PAO

• Offer to assist the media in future interviews (w/ PAO coordination)

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Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR)

• UPAR is your organization’s point of contact with the PAO

• PAO can assist your UPAR in telling your organization’s story

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MAJ Hank McIntire – State PAO

• Office: (801) 523-4407• Cell: (801) 716-9052• E-mail: hank.mcintire@us.army.mil• Web Site: www.ut.ngb.army.mil

First-Line Leader Media First-Line Leader Media TrainingTrainingSummary

• The media is our partner• Use command messages• It’s your interview; tell it your way• Relax; look at the interviewer; give the facts• UPAR Program• The PAO is your friend

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Questions?