Ch. 5 - Interaction with The Media

Question 1

Good media relations are largely a matter of?

Answer 1

attitude and approach

Question 2

If the media is fair and balanced then negative information will be reported as well as ?

Answer 2

positive information

Question 3

f the relationship with the media is strong, when something goes wrong, they will be more willing to be?

Answer 3

understanding

Question 4

One role of the PIO is to?

Answer 4

educate the media and public about the Department’s philosophy, strategic plan and goals, including programs and practices to ensure success.

Question 5

Problem situations or circumstances unfavorable to the Department should never be covered up as this tends to?

Answer 5

make the exposure more caustic when the story does appear

Question 6

Knowing a problem situation is about to surface, the involved command should?

Answer 6

take steps to have all pertinent facts at hand and should consider being proactive and provide our view of the story first.

Question 7

Failure to deal forthrightly with problem situations can be interpreted by media as

Answer 7

Lack of credibility

Question 8

Consider wearing civilian attire when being interviewed or at a press conference regarding?

Answer 8

negative or unfavorable news

Question 9

A negative story is opportunity to:

Answer 9

(1) Get our side of the story out to the public.

(2) Build respect and credibility with media.

Question 10

This radio code is used by the field to request media notification of a significant traffic incident or other newsworthy event(s).

Answer 10

Notify press CODE 20

Question 11

General News Releases are?

Answer 11

(1) Periodic statistical report
(2) Statements by the local commander regarding Area or departmental
activities or issues of local community interest.
(3) Headquarters prepared releases intended for field distribution.
(4) Occurring less frequently than collisions/incident reports, field news
releases offer an opportunity to inform the public of departmental activities.

Question 12

Feature Stories are?

Answer 12

Feature stories usually are based on unusual situations, departmental functions or activities of human interest.

Question 13

Releases are divided into what three categories?

Answer 13

a. Media Advisory - invites the media to cover an even
b. Press Availability - announces an event or opportunity in which an employee (i.e., Chief, Area commander, PIO) is made available for an interview with the media.
c. News Release - a summary of an event or subject including quotes from participants and pertinent information.

Question 14

What are the 4 C’s that you should follow to be respected by the media?

Answer 14

1. Clarity
2. Control
3. Consistency
4. Confidence

Question 15

When is the best time for a Planned Press Conference/Media Event?

Answer 15

mid-morning or early afternoon

Question 16

If a large-scale or newsworthy incident (local or national) takes place prior to the press conference starting, consider?

Answer 16

postponing it until a later time or date.

Question 17

What does a press packet include?

Answer 17

(a) Order of events.
(b) List of speakers and titles.
(c) News release.
(d) Fact sheets, statistics, maps, charts, etc.
(e) Pamphlets and handouts.
(f) Photographs or video on compact disc or digital video disc.