How to handle a difficult media interview

How to handle a difficult media interview

Steve Blears Media Training Podcast

How to handle a difficult media interview. Today we’re talking about handling difficult media interviews and straight off the bat, I’m not going to “drivel on” with generic advice.

I’m not going to tell you to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
I’m not going to tell you to practise your key messages.
I’m not going to tell you to practise a mock interview.

People are terrified of difficult media interviews and they needn’t be

Yes, you can do all of those things, but let’s address the elephant in the room, people, that’s you, are terrified of media interviews and they needn’t be.

How does the news work?

How does the news work?

Steve Blears Blog, Media Training Podcast

How does the news work? The news media is an industry, its product is news stories, current affairs journalism and factual articles. Its raw materials are news events, tip-offs, press releases and information supplied by public bodies, organisations, businesses, established contacts and the public.

It’s the journalists’ job to identify news stories among this flow of facts, events and information. Their skills lie in deciding what is newsworthy and then telling those stories in the most compelling way. The expectation is they should check their stories are factually accurate, legally sound, and balanced (tell both sides) before being published.

What's the first step in preparing for a TV interview?

How to prepare for your first TV interview

Steve Blears Media Training Podcast

How to prepare for your first TV interview. Don’t panic. A TV news appearance is an amazing opportunity to share your insight, knowledge and expertise.

Determine the Schedule: Find out when the interview will take place to gauge your preparation time.
Research the Show: Identify which show or news outlet has invited you. Watch a few episodes to understand its interview duration, question style, tone, and format.

Why do reporters shout questions?

Why do reporters shout questions?

Steve Blears Media Training Podcast

Why do reporters shout questions?
In April 2002, I was a reporter for BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat in the UK. On assignment at Manchester airport, I shouted a question at Manchester United’s star goal scorer, David Beckham.
I shouted, “David, does it hurt?”