Mind Your Manners

As a former Broadcast Journalist and part-time PIO, I have experienced all sides of the relationship between reporter and newsmaker. One thing that continues to amaze me is the occasional reporter in search of a scoop who thinks it's perfectly okay to walk all over the Information Officer.

When you're out on the street everyday dealing with Media Relations Professionals, remember that we're in contact everyday with Journalists just like yourself. We're the first people to find out who's leaving for greener pastures, who's getting promoted, and who's leaving the business. We're also the ones most likely to pass that kind of information on to people we like, and pass over those who have treated us badly. So if you're ever wondering why you can't get promoted, or find that next step on the career ladder, perhaps its time to do a reality check on how well you treat everyone you work with, whether it's in your newsroom, or out in the field.

1. Do you call ahead for interviews or just show up expecting to be handled immediately?

2. Do you thank the Information Officer for their time?

3. Do you ask for additional information to be released in advance of a scheduled press conference so you can scoop everyone else?

4. Are your stories accurate?

5. Are you tolerant of your co-workers when things don't go as planned?

Getting the exclusive story is a quite an achievement, however, if you're not treating others with respect in the process, your career can still hit the skids. Remember, News Managers want to hire people who get along well with others, or they'll have a major problem on their hands that they can't easily get rid of. Also, television news is considered an incestuous business.

I still run into people, who know former co-workers from previous jobs. The longer you're in the business, the longer the list gets. Kindness is remember much longer than an exclusive story.

Protect your career and keep in mind that everyone you meet or work with may help you get your next gig or keep you where you are.