What to Expect in an Interview

1. A general assignment reporter may have little to no background in

your area of expertise. Be willing to provide background.

2. If you're appearing on television or radio, keep your sentences short

and simple. Get to the point. You'll be "on-air" for, literally, a

moment or less.

3. Expect a good number of questions. This person wants to understand

your topic but may have no background in it. He must quickly acquire as

much as he can.

4. Don't guess. If you don't know the answer to a question, there's

nothing wrong with saying, "I don't know, but I'll find out and get back

to you." Then, follow up and do that ASAP.

5. Nothing's "off the record." Don't say anything to a reporter that

you're not willing to see in print.

6. For most of the feature and research stories which bring faculty and

media together, there's no reason to be nervous. The reporter really

wants to work with you. You have expertise or a story to share, and they

have a product to get out.