Tips for contacting media

Talking with the media can have great impact. While not everyone is at a place where they are ready to do this, if you would like to take the plunge there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Jot down 3 or 4 key points you want to say so you don’t forget them.
• BEFORE you start talking to any journalist, say to them “I would like to stay off the record while I get an understanding of what you are working on.” It’s important to clarify the type of story they are doing. We encourage positive, non-stigmatising stories to help bring conversations about FASD into the sunshine.
• Show them the FASD: Preferred UK Language Guide.
• Ask where and when the interview will appear – many journalists are ‘freelance’ but they will be writing or interviewing for a specific publication. Sometimes they will re-use material even years later so you need to be clear about any future re-use (especially if a tabloid).
• Ask what the deadline is. Sometimes they are on a very short deadline, but other times they might be doing research for a bigger story later.
• YOU GET TO DECIDE how you want to appear in a story. Do you want your full name used or do you want to be anonymous? This should be agreed with the journalist BEFORE YOU START THE INTERVIEW. Please carefully consider any negatives that might come from publicity for you, for your family, for safeguarding purposes, etc.
• Do you want to have pictures included (it’s okay to say ‘no’ even if some publications may say they can’t run the story then, those are usually tabloids and it’s a sign they may try to sensationalise things). Some people provide photos that don’t show children’s faces – maybe playing on equipment at the park, for example).
• You can ask them to send you the questions ahead of time. One top tip for printed publications is to ask them to send you the questions and you can reply in writing, that way you can’t be misquoted.
• You can ask them to let you see your quotes before they publish. 
• If you don’t want something to be quoted, BEFORE you say it, say “THIS IS OFF THE RECORD.” 
• If they ask for facts, use a trusted source – don’t ‘wing it’ (we’re here to help with that).
• If it’s a tv or radio interview and you have a microphone on, just assume it’s recording. Avoid waving hands or fidgeting. Talk like you would normally. Don’t let them drag you into a conversation you don’t want to have. If they ask a question you don’t want to answer, change the subject. Politicians do it all the time!
• After the interview, ask them to send you a copy of the article/ recording, etc and ask if you can have permission to share it.
• If you want to practice before your interview, or would like more tips, just contact us. We’re here to help.
• Try not to be nervous. Your story is yours.  Just speak your truth. That’s all any of us can do. There is great power in that.