MEDIA TRAINING FOR FINANCE PROFESSIONALS

Here are the answers to two questions we are asked over and over again:

Q. Is there any such thing as ‘off the record’ when talking to a journalist?

Think about it for a minute, and put yourself in the journalist’s shoes: it is their job to get the facts, figures and details of the story. If you give them information, expect them to use it. If you tell them it’s off the record, then it’s unlikely they will attribute the information to you – but be prepared for the information to come out. And if you’ve leaked it, chances are people will come to know it was you who leaked it. Sometimes that’s okay… and sometimes it’s not, so be judicious.

Q. Is it okay to say ‘no comment’?

Usually, no – because ‘no comment’ sounds like you have something to hide. But there are occasions, for example when you are subject to a confidentiality agreement or a matter is before the courts, when ‘no comment’ is the only answer you can give.

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