No matter the type of incident, if you’re put into a situation where you have to speak to the media, you need to have your facts in front of you and an idea on how you’re going to answer questions when you don’t have an answer.

Each type of media has to be handled differently and we’re going to look at a couple here.

Television Crews

This can be the most rewarding and frightening experience for any firefighter because it’s not everyday that you’re going to be plastered all over the television for the nightly broadcast. Add to that the big camera and light right in your face, it can be an intimidating experience.

First and foremost, check your appearance and make yourself look as professional and presentable as possible. It might be a hot summers day after a big structure fire and you’re covered in sweat, your hair is all sloppy and you have a soaked towel hanging around your neck. Or it could be a freezing blizzard-like day and you have snot freezing on your lip. In either instance, a quick glance in the mirror and a minor cleanup is probably not a bad idea.

Next you want to think about what you’re going to say. Unless you’re a professional actor or are very comfortable speaking into the camera, you will have some stage fright more than likely. If you don’t know the answer to a question, respond with something like “At this time I do not know” instead of “Gee, I ain’t got no clue”.

There are other obvious points such as profanity, using jargon and/or jokes during the interview, but we hope those don’t have to be discussed anytime in the near future. Otherwise maybe it’s time to hang up the P.I.O. hat.

News Print

This form of media is not nearly as intimidating, but does require some thought before you go on record with a reporter.

As mentioned above, first think through what you’re going to say and how you’re going to respond to questions that you do not have an answer for.

Presentation is not as critical here, but if they want a still shot of you with the scene in the background, you might want to consider a quick glance in the apparatus mirror.

The biggest difference between print and television is that facts can get a bit skewed as the reporter feverishly writes down notes. Maybe a name is important and they assume the spelling, only to find out later it was incorrect. Or a key element of the incident, how a fire started for example, was misunderstood.

So how can you do your best to eliminate these mistakes?

Pay attention to the reporter and his/her notes. Glance down at their note pad as they write and do your best to ensure they’re getting the facts correctly as you stated. There’s no denying your responses on video, but in print it can happen.

Whether your the official P.I.O. of a large department or the chief of a smaller department who handles the media, there are certain things to keep in mind when dealing with the media.

Do you have other tips/tricks you’ve used in the past in dealing with the media?