Journalists in today’s world are sharing news in many different formats — from print and TV to radio, digital, and social media. If you’re preparing for a media interview and need a little guidance, this retired reporter has you covered.

General Tips for All Media Formats

When preparing for any media interview, you should always:

  • Clarify with the reporter which outlet they represent, their deadline, and what topics they would like to cover in the interview.
  • Ask what the format of the interview is (e.g., phone call, Zoom call with cameras, in-person, live or recorded, etc.).
  • Prepare some key messages and talking points that can be woven throughout.
  • Have anecdotes and stories that align with your messaging and that are also easily shared. (The audience will connect with your message when they understand why they should care!)

For TV Interviews

Remember that TV contains both visual and audio elements to tell the story. These interviews can be either live (such as in-studio with an anchor) or pre-recorded. Usually, the reporter will ask questions to prompt a response from you, helping to guide the conversation.

DO:

  • Look the part and dress professionally.
  • Wear branded logo attire if possible.
  • Look at the reporter when talking and treat it as a conversation.
  • Ensure there are visuals to make the story appealing. This is television, so they will need video (aka B-roll) or photos to accompany the story. You can provide assets to the reporter or producer before the interview or invite them to film something on-site. Depending on the interview topic, props can also be an alternative visual asset to show on camera.
  • If the reporter comes to your location, prepare a nice background for the interview with good lighting.

DON’T:

  • Wear busy prints (which don’t always read well on camera) or off-brand clothing.
  • Look down directly at your notes and read from them.
  • Look directly at the camera when being interviewed.
  • Distress if you misspeak or stumble over your words. Simply make the correction or reshare the correct information in a clear and confident voice.

For Radio and Podcast Interviews

Your voice is the true rockstar here! Radio segments can be live on air or pre-recorded. They often allow for a more in-depth conversation. Radio and podcast tapings can range in length, but many are about 10-20 minutes long.

DO:

  • Be clear (enunciate) and concise with your speech.
  • Be camera-ready for pictures or video to be taken while you’re on-air or being interviewed to help further promote the segment on websites or social platforms.
  • Keep notes handy if you need to glance down at them.
  • Have key messaging points rehearsed.

DON’T:

  • Stumble over words. Even though you can have notes handy, practicing what you want to say is imperative to sounding confident and conversational.
  • Read solely from your notes, as it won’t sound authentic.
  • Shuffle your notes around (as the microphone will pick up the rustling sounds!).

For Digital and Print Interviews

Print and digital outlets are somewhat similar, and nearly all print organizations also now have a digital and social media presence. When setting up these interviews, clarify first if the reporter wants to do the interview via email, phone, video call such as Zoom, or on-site/in-person at a specified location.

These interviews can be lengthier, depending on whether the reporter is looking to do a more in-depth piece, and because there are no on-air time constraints like with TV and radio.

DO:

  • Have notes with talking points prepared on-hand during the interview, as you can refer to them when needed.
  • Be an active listener as the reporter is asking questions.
  • Set up your background (whether via Zoom or in-person) with a nice, clear space so there aren’t any distractions (visually or audibly).
  • Test the sound ahead of time if the interview will be via phone or video call.
  • Provide additional assets to the reporter beforehand so they know if they will need to arrange to take photos or gather additional information for the piece.

DON’T:

  • Set up a video call somewhere with spotty Wi-Fi.
  • Avoid questions; try using the bridging, hooking and flagging techniques to address questions you can’t or don’t want to answer.
  • Go “off record;” it’s safer to assume everything you say may be repeated, so stick to your talking points and messaging.

When the Interview Wraps:

  • Make sure to ask the reporter if they have everything they need.
  • Offer to follow up with any additional assets or information that you discussed.
  • Thank the reporter for taking the time to speak with you.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you feel much more prepared for a media interview. If you do the proper preparation ahead of time, you’ll feel a lot less nervous — and much more ready to tackle the conversation with a reporter.

Always remember: journalists are interviewing you because you’re an expert in the subject they’re talking to you about. Be confident and put these preparation tips into practice, and your interview is sure to go off without a hitch!

Still need more assistance preparing for a media interview? Check out these other helpful posts on the Scooter Media blog:

Be sure to follow Scooter Media on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, TikTok and Bluesky to stay up-to-date on all of our latest PR and social media tips and tricks.

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