Media Guidelines
by Holly Furgason
Before the interview
- Have a list of members who are willing to be interviewed and/or filmed in their homes. The media wants to see homeschooling. They are often on a deadline and need to visit someone NOW.
- Prepare a press kit so that the reporter has something to refer to later on.
- If children are going to be involved, prepare them before hand. Make sure that it’s okay with them. Don’t “coach” their answers but let them know what’s going to happen including filming, answering questions and showing the reporter some of their work or projects.
- Be on time and ready. Reporters work on tight deadlines. Ask how much time will be alloted for the interview.
- Always ask for a pre-interview. This is a common practice and won’t offend the reporter. Find out what topics will be covered and what types of questions will be asked.
- Always reserve the right to rebuttal. It’s important to be able to answer detractors’ allegations before the piece is made public.
- Dress appropriately. Wear clothes that are simple yet well tailored; makeup for women should be natural colors. For television avoid excessive jewelry, extreme styles or busy patterns. They can distract viewers away from what you have say.
- Before taping for television or radio, turn off all phones and place a sign on the door if you have frequent drop in visitors (i.e. neighborhood kids). For television check the background for questionable objects (dead plants, your copy of the “Communist Manifesto”…just joking!)
During the interview
- Kids come first! Let them act naturally and particpate in the interview as they feel comfortable. If the reporter makes the children feel uncomfortable for any reason, ask that the camera/recorder be turned off and then explain your concerns. Only agree to continue if things are worked out to your satisfaction.
- Maintain a professional demeanor. Keep your voice modulated and think before you answer questions.
- NEVER assume you are off record! If you want to say something that you don’t want to be made public, specifically tell the reporter it is off record.
- Stick to your own area of expertise and experience. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into other areas. Refer the reporter to someone who may be able to help answer any questions outside your area.
- Keep your answers short. Prepare “sound bites” for typical questions (and we all know what those are!). The shorter and more precise the answer the less chance there is of being misquoted.
- Have a point to make and use the questions to get your point across.
- Phrase your answers so that are stated positively. For example: when you are asked why you homeschool you should answer with something like, “Because I really love being with my children and learning with them” instead of “The public schools stink!”
- If you don’t know something say so.
- NEVER lie to a reporter! It’s better to give no information than slanted information.
- Avoid homeschooling terms that are not well known. You force the reporter to become an interpreter and set yourself up for misquotes.
- If you make a mistake, correct it as soon as you realize it. It’s easier to go back than to try to get a retraction or correction later on.
- Be yourself and try to relax. Use your everyday speech. This is not the time to up grade your vocabulary. You’re doing a great job homeschooling and you want them to know it!
More Resources
- The Homeschooling Image: Public Relations Basics
By Mary Griffith. The understanding and support of the general public plays a crucial role in keeping homeschooling a legal and commonly recognized option in education.
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Ann Zeise