Be Careful Of That Interview!

Many years ago, I had a good friend who had a job in the public relations area of a university. Part of her responsibilities included the writing of news releases. In order to ensure that the college would get mentioned in the newspapers, or other media outlets, she had to make certain that what she was writing was interesting, timely, and/or controversial.

It was not unusual for her to "quote" one of the coaches in a sports news release? even though she hadn't laid eyes on the coach or talked to him for weeks!

Hold For Release
Details of events were written ahead of time, mailed, and marked "Hold for release until 9:00 a.m." on whatever the date of the event. That way the reporter who received the release could have their story written ahead of time and get it to their editor in time for the current day's edition.

Did it actually happen? They hoped so.

She would even include advance "facts" such as, "The president received a warm welcome by the student body." or "One fan was quoted as saying?" Embellishment was part of the job. She just had to make it believable-and interesting enough to catch the attention of the public. But there was also a certain amount of ethical and moral responsibility.

I realize reporters who work the news beat have to make a story interesting. But it seems most of them do not assume that responsibility to those they could do harm. I wish they would draw the line short of giving out facts that can do damage and, in some cases, even be dangerous.

Robbery
Wouldn't it be enough to say a financial institution was robbed in an early morning robbery, and an "undisclosed amount of cash" was taken? Did they have to say, "$410,000 Cleared Out of Vault" in the headline, and then go on to detail not only exactly how it was done, but also include the fact that "a banking source stated it was not unusual for a vault to hold this amount of cash or more first thing in the morning"? Even if it was true, was it necessary to print this in the newspaper? Is it any surprise there have been three more "copy-cat" robberies done the same way in that city since that headline and story appeared?

Counterfeiting
On ABC TV News just a few weeks ago was a three minute segment on exactly how to create counterfeit checks on your PC. Frank Abagnale was interviewed and not only explained how, but also demonstrated by showing a computer screen and actually moving MICR numbers around, and giving tips on how to do it better! The publisher of the HOTLINE managed to catch most of it by recording it on his VCR. I was stunned when I reviewed it!

Kiting
The Wall Street Journal, in a front page article, explained the workings of a major kite on the east coast, and then interviewed the convicted criminal in jail, and quoted him on exactly how he went about carrying out the scheme. It was like a "Kiting 101" >
Copyright © 1995 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 5, No. 9, 6/95