How to Avoid the Media Turning On You
When you consult clients on how to manage the media, you have to accept biases. Some companies are the darlings of the media. Others aren’t. Some presidential candidates get softball questions. Others are pinned to the wall.
Having consulted news departments for three decades as well as businesses and political candidates, I’ve benefitted from a clear view of the landscape.
Usually if the media likes you, you’ll be fine. If they don’t, you need to work harder to get your point across. And to develop rapport with reporters so they’re more open to your point of view.
One Thing is Sure
You can’t take managing the media for granted. Case in point, the media came out with guns blazing, taking on President Obama for the lack of progress against the ISIS killers.
For example, CNN’s Jim Acosta, asked Obama today in Turkey: “Why can’t we take out these bastards?”
Other journalists joined in the markedly aggressive line of questioning, pressing the president on why he had underestimated the threat from ISIS, why he hasn’t taken stronger action, essentially why he has been leading from behind.
President Obama complained that the questions were repetitive. In reality, his answers were not satisfying the press corps. What a remarkable shift in tone.
As you watch the accompanying video, keep in mind you’re looking at networks that have given President Obama very favorable coverage. Not any more. At least, not on this day.
How to Avoid the Media Turning On You: Takeaways
- Cultivate influential media contacts not afraid to alert you to a shift.
- Try to discover why you’re starting to lose favor.
- If you agree you’re missing the mark with your strategy, be willing to re-evaluate rather than doubling down.
If you’re striving to improve your reputation — whether in business or politics — let’s put my considerable media experience to work for you: bob@kaplitz.tv
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