Once you start to deal with the media, you need to be aware of a few golden rules:
- Everything you say to a journalist is a matter of public record and can be referenced as part of a story unless you specifically ask to speak off the record and get the journalist to agree
- Never ask to see the story before it goes to print – the journalist may in some cases allow this, but they are not required to
- Be aware that your story may not get published in the next issue, or even at all, if a more pressing story comes in and the editor changes the layout, the journalist is under no obligation to print
- Deadline is king – ALWAYS ask a journalist when their deadline is (there is always a deadline) and make sure you get them what they need within that timescale
