224-176-1425 (SL1) - Interact with News Media
Standards: Identified the principles of interacting with the media.

1.   Role of the individual when interacting with the media.

a. Check identification or press credentials. If identification or press credentials are produced, continue with interview. If no identification or press credentials are produced, refer the individual to your chain of command or public affairs representative.

b. Recognize your rights.

(1)  You don't have to speak to the media.

(2)  You don't have to answer all the questions.

(3)  You control the length of the interview.

c. Maintain operational security (OPSEC).  Do not discuss classified information.

2.   Guidelines for speaking with the media.

a. Think before you answer.

b. Tell the truth. You should not lie or intentionally mislead members of the media.

c. Discuss only things that you have direct responsibility for or have personal knowledge about. Speak at your level. You should discuss only matters for which you have direct knowledge.

d. Don't answer speculative (what if) or hypothetical questions.

e. Avoid jargon, acronyms, slang and technical terms.

f.  Answer the question with which you are most comfortable when asked multiple questions.   

g. Keep remarks brief and concise.

h. Assume everything you say may be printed or broadcast.

i.   Use "I" not "we" when stating your opinion.

j.   If you don't know the answer to a question or cannot discuss it for any reason, say so. Avoid using "no comment".

3.   Inform the chain of command of interaction with the media.

1.   Checked media representative for identification or credentials.

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2.   Stated three recognized rights.

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3.   Maintained OPSEC throughout the interview.

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4.   Discussed subject areas related to direct responsibility and personal knowledge.

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5.   Stated answers while avoiding speculation.

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6.   Performed interview without use of jargon, acronyms, slang or technical terms.

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7.   Employed concise remarks.

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8.   Ensured no "off-the-record" comments were made.

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9.   Stated answers, avoiding "no comment" response.

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10. Informed chain of command of interaction with media.

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AR 360-1

FM 46-1