As someone who’s dealt with journalists & interviews for over 25 years, I would just add: if you do talk to any journalists for any reason, be very clear up front about (1) whether the interview is ‘on the record’, ‘off the record’, ‘background’, or ‘deep background’, (2) ask for ‘quote approval’, i.e. you as the interviewee having final approval over any quotes attributed to them, (3) possibly ask for overall pre-publication approval of the whole piece, so its contents, tone, and approach are aligned with yours. (Most journalists will refuse 2 and 3, which reminds you they are not your friends or allies; they are seeking to produce content that will attract clicks, eyeballs, and advertisers.)
Also, record the interview on your end, using recording software, so you can later prove (if necessary, in court), that you were quoted accurately or inaccurately.
If you’re not willing to take all these steps to protect yourself, your organization, and your movement, DO NOT DO THE INTERVIEW.
This piece is a useful resource about these terms and concepts.
Julia—thanks for a helpful update.
As someone who’s dealt with journalists & interviews for over 25 years, I would just add: if you do talk to any journalists for any reason, be very clear up front about (1) whether the interview is ‘on the record’, ‘off the record’, ‘background’, or ‘deep background’, (2) ask for ‘quote approval’, i.e. you as the interviewee having final approval over any quotes attributed to them, (3) possibly ask for overall pre-publication approval of the whole piece, so its contents, tone, and approach are aligned with yours. (Most journalists will refuse 2 and 3, which reminds you they are not your friends or allies; they are seeking to produce content that will attract clicks, eyeballs, and advertisers.)
Also, record the interview on your end, using recording software, so you can later prove (if necessary, in court), that you were quoted accurately or inaccurately.
If you’re not willing to take all these steps to protect yourself, your organization, and your movement, DO NOT DO THE INTERVIEW.
This piece is a useful resource about these terms and concepts.