100 MEDIA TRAINING TIPS
Television – Radio – Print
PR Strategies
Gain Media Publicity
Interview Skills
The Media Conference
Written by
Mark Aiston
SMASHWORDS EDITION
* * * * *
PUBLISHED BY:
Mark Aiston on Smashwords
Copyright © 2010 by Mark Aiston
This E-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.
This E-book may not be resold. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
FOREWORD
If you deal with the media at any level, it is crucial that you understand how the media operates.
Mediainsider’s 100 media Training Tips will help answer a wide range of media related questions that will increase your overall media knowledge:
By understanding how the media operates, you will be in a better position to utilise the media to your advantage.
Mark Aiston.
Mediainsider.
WHAT IS MEDIAINSIDER?
Mediainsider is a media consultancy service and online media education provider established in 1999 by Adelaide media identity Mark Aiston.
Mediainsider offers clients a variety of workshops that provide a better understanding of how the media operates, and furnishes the client with the skills to utilise the media to their advantage.
Website http://www.mediainsider.com.au
Contact us: mark@mediainsider.com.au
WORKSHOPS
Media Training
Presentation Skills
Crisis Management
How the Media Operates
Workshops are conducted one on one or in groups.
MEDIA EDUCATION ONLINE
Mediainsider also offers online training.
No travel and accommodation costs.
Allows the client to take part in the training when and where they like.
Each module includes relevant videos, and detailed notes.
ONLINE PRODUCTS
Your media policy (Video)
Publicity boost (Video)
Becoming an outstanding Master of Ceremonies (Audio)
Please note products also available on DVD.
Remember:
When you are in the media spotlight for whatever reason, you must be prepared, relaxed, confident, professional, authoritative and credible. Make sure your media performance counts.
WHO IS MARK AISTON
Mark began his media career in 1981. In 1984 he assumed the role as news sports host for ABC Television in Adelaide. In 1996 he took on the same role at Network Ten.
Mark has also worked extensively on radio as a host and commentator.
Mark has spent most his media life working within television and radio newsrooms.
He is acutely aware of effective strategies businesses should undertake to gain positive media publicity.
Mark also knows what mistakes businesses make when dealing with the media and the serious repercussions that can occur.
This knowledge is key in your quest to become media savvy.
Mark’s passion is to help people understand how the media operates, so they can feel comfortable around the media and utilize the media to their advantage.
Mark gained international coverage in early 2011 when he had his manhood questioned by News host Belinda Heggen on live TV. The clip went viral attracting millions of hits on youtube. Mark is still not sure of the publicity was worth it. LOL.
Table of Contents
Chapter 2 - The Media Conference
Chapter 3 - The Television Interview
Chapter 4 - The Radio Interview
Chapter 5 - The Print Interview
CHAPTER 1
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Should you prepare your responses “word for word”?
No, while some people have a very good memory, this approach is fraught wit danger. A response that is prepared “word for word” can sound forced and false, and if you stumble, it may be hard to get back on track.
Should you refer a reporter to someone else if you are not sure of the answer to the question?
Yes: However it is important that the person you are referring to, is an official spokesperson for your company and also credible.
It is important that you do not speculate or guess the answer to the reporter’s question.
Explain to the reporter that the topic is not within your area and wait for the next question.
Should you begin a media interview by telling the reporter that they cannot ask questions about a particular issue?
No: This will annoy the reporter, and they will usually ask the question anyway.
It is far better to have a prepared response to the question, rather than place restrictions on reporters.
In addition, it may be that the reporter was not going to ask you about the subject anyway. So by restricting them, you are in fact alerting them to a potentially good story.
THE MISTAKE
Should you joke with reporters when you make a mistake?
No: Particularly if you are talking about a serious issue.
However if the issue is light hearted you may get away with it, but the reporter is generally after information, they are busy, and most will be thinking about getting back to the office to put together their story.
If you know the reporters because you have been dealing with them for a number of years. You can be more relaxed with them if you make an error. They will more than likely give you some latitude.
Would the media report the fact that during your pre-recorded interview, you made a mistake, stopped what you were saying and then restarted?
Probable not, however it depends what you say.