Media Guidelines

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CONTENTS

1. Interacting with the Media
2. Preparing for an Interview
3. What to Wear for TV Interviews

1. Dealing with the Media

	Never lie.
	Never speak off the record.
	Prominently mention the Neighborhood Networks name throughout the interview to ensure that it is mentioned in the story.
	Go into the interview well-prepared, with clear goals about the messages you wish to communicate.
	Be yourself. Don't try to develop a different persona for media interviews. Rely on the strong points of your own character, personality, and experiences.
	Always stress the positive aspects of your center(s) and the Neighborhood Networks Initiative. Relate good news and helpful information as much as possible. Never volunteer information or opinions that may damage HUD's or Neighborhood Networks' image.
	Keep your message simple. Comments should be brief, to the point, and easily understood by the general public and the media. Avoid long rambling answers and comments.
	Don't use jargon or acronyms. If you must use terms specific to the industry, briefly define or explain them.
	Don't try to make too many complex points, especially in a television interview.
	Repeat important points if possible, perhaps by changing the words slightly.
	In most cases, you are not in an interview to defend yourself. Do not allow yourself to be put in such a position. Most importantly, don't assume that you need to defend HUD, the Neighborhood Networks Initiative, or yourself.
	Don't be afraid of not answering a question, but explain why you can't. You will gain credibility by saying, "I don't feel qualified to answer that," or "I don't have the complete information at this time." Offer to find out the information and be sure to follow up.
	Know your ground and don't be sidetracked. Don't allow the interviewer to take up valuable time on matters that are unimportant or unrelated to your goals.
	Never lose your temper. Don't shout or yell. Always remain calm and courteous. The more inflammatory the interviewer, the cooler you should be.
	Immediately refute incorrect statements, especially if it reflects negatively on HUD or the Neighborhood Networks Initiative. This includes statements made by the interviewer or anyone else.
	Don't let the interviewer misinterpret your statements. Politely interrupt and set the interviewer straight as to your meaning.
	Keep in mind that you don't have to use the words used by the interviewer. Paraphrase the interviewer's questions or comments in such a way that it will better suit your purpose.
	Once you have fully answered a question or made a point, stop talking. Don't be pushed into adding something just because the interviewer remains silent.
	Don't read prepared answers or statements. Exceptions might be some press conferences where specific public statements are being made, if someone is being directly quoted, or if some very specific and complex information is being discussed.
	Don't allow distractions to throw you. Anticipate that crew conversations, background motion, and other extraneous noises will occur.
	It's good to show genuine emotion, but don't let your emotion take over!
	Sit still and in place at the end of television and radio interviews until you are certain that you are off the air and that your microphone is off.
	Being in control is important, but trying too hard to be in control may cause you to tense up. A natural form of control results from the quiet confidence and calmness that you develop in knowing that you have thoroughly prepared and practiced.

2. Preparing for an Interview

	Draw up a complete list of the points you want to get across during the interview.
	Put the most important points first.
	After drawing up your prioritized list, edit or outline it to the very briefest form.
	Commit the brief list to memory.

3. What to Wear for TV Interviews

	No stripes or checks (pinstripe suits are exceptions).
	No large, conspicuous jewelry.
	No bold patterns.
	No obvious focal point in your clothing that draws your eye to it.
	Generally no more than one subtle pattern. You may mix two subtle patterns of small areas, such as a tie with the shirt area that will be showing with your coat on.
	No clashing or loud colors, especially bright red. Red bleeds on camera.
	Try to avoid black and white together.
	The perfect TV shirt is light blue. Any shirt worn with a coat should be lighter in color than the coat.
	Never wear a skirt or dress that makes it difficult to sit in a businesslike manner.
	Never wear a vest.
	Unbutton your coat when seated. Don't let the coat open wide; show as little shirt as possible.
	Makeup should look natural and even.