Featured Post from ExpertFile

How To Tick Off Reporters

Dec 10, 2019

3 min

Peter Evans

During media training sessions, I share examples of easy ways to completely tick off a reporter — not as a tutorial — but as a cheeky way to say DO NOT do these things ever if you want to maintain any kind of healthy relationship with media.


Below you will find the ones that bothered me when I worked as a journalist.


Do any of these things, and you’re in for a world of fun.


1. Tell a reporter how to do their job – They love that. Criticize the subjective tone or focus of a story while you’re at it. Bonus points if you can do this while never mentioning that the story was technically 100% accurate.


2. Ask them why they didn’t cover your story – Reporters love justifying how they do their job and the decisions they’ve made — to PR people. If you ask with a little bit of attitude, all the better. They dig that.


3. Only be helpful when you want something from them – Reporters can’t tell when they have an artificial one-way relationship with a PR person. No need to invest a little time in getting to know them and THEIR needs a bit better.


4. Send them a media advisory right before an event – They will never guess that you don’t really want them there so you made it logistically impossible to get there on time without being able to say they weren’t invited.


5. Only communicate with them by email or text – Reporters love nothing more than a controlled message via email with no chance to ask a question. Sometimes (legal implications) you have no choice — but we’re talking about the other 99% of the time. An email is great for communicating tone, too.


6. Send out a media release with a contact who’s not available – It’s a great tactic. Send out a media release and put the person’s name at the bottom for media to contact. But, that person is not available. This screams “credible”.


7. Promise a scoop then hold a news conference – Nothing says “I love you” like a broken promise. And, chances are they communicated the promised scoop to their editor, too, so you now have double the fans in that newsroom.


8. Ban them from anything – If there’s one thing reporters truly love, it’s being punished for doing their jobs. So, ban them from news conferences or events. Lord knows they’d never tell anyone, especially on social media.


9. Tell them how lucky they are to get what they got – It certainly works with spouses — so why wouldn’t it work with reporters, right?


10. Make them go through access to Information – They understand that there is some information that will require access to information — but the true joy comes in having to go through the red tape to get something simple and easy.


11. Ask them if they’d ever come work for you in PR – Nothing says manipulation like false flattery and dangling a carrot. You better be serious.


12. Make them watch other people eat – What is more enjoyable than attending a Chamber luncheon or keynote address and watching people eat while you stand in the corner waiting for the speaker. No need for a media table at all.


13. Hold a news conference with inadequate audio/visual facilities – Today’s reporter has to listen to the speaker, ask questions, video, tweet, etc. all at the same time. Would an audio board and camera riser help? Sure. But, what’s one more thing for them to do at this point?


14. Call their boss to complain about them – This was one of my favourites — when the PR person would go over my head. I can assure you I didn’t hold a grudge and didn’t dig into your organization with a little more rigour.


15. Return their call at 4 p.m. – You’re busy so reporters completely understand if it took you 6 hours to get back to them just to say you can’t help. I’m sure the next time YOU want something, they’ll be equally as gracious.


There are others. There are many others. Feel free to share the ones you know of and perhaps we’ll compile another list in a few months.




Connect with:
Peter Evans

Peter Evans

Co-Founder & CEO

Recognized speaker on expertise marketing, technology and innovation

Media TrendsThought LeadershipMarketingTechnologyInnovation
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from ExpertFile

Memorial Day: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Honor featured image

2 min

Memorial Day: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Honor

Every year, millions of Americans gather for backyard barbecues, parades, family gatherings, and the unofficial start of summer. But at its heart, Memorial Day is something far deeper - a national day of remembrance dedicated to the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday emerged after the American Civil War, when communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, the observance expanded to honour all U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed annually on the last Monday in May. Today, Americans commemorate the day in many ways. Traditional ceremonies include visits to cemeteries and memorials, moments of silence, flag placements on graves, military flyovers, and community parades. The National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time encourages citizens across the country to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom and the lives lost defending it. While celebrations and long weekends have become part of the modern Memorial Day experience, historians and veterans’ advocates often remind people that the holiday’s true significance lies in remembrance, gratitude, and national reflection. It remains one of the most meaningful civic observances in the United States — a day that connects generations through sacrifice, service, and shared history. Story Angles Journalists May Explore The historical origins of Memorial Day after the Civil War How Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day The evolution of military remembrance traditions in America Why symbols like poppies, flags, and wreaths matter The role of cemeteries, monuments, and memorial sites in preserving national memory How younger generations are reshaping the meaning of patriotic observances Journalists covering Memorial Day, military history, civic traditions, remembrance culture, or the evolving meaning of patriotism may wish to connect with experts in American history, military studies, sociology, or cultural traditions surrounding national remembrance days. Covering or have questions? Our experts are here to help: To see all of our experts - simply visit www.expertfile.com

ExpertSpotlight - Ebola: What It Is, How It Spreads, and Whether the Public Should Be Concerned featured image

3 min

ExpertSpotlight - Ebola: What It Is, How It Spreads, and Whether the Public Should Be Concerned

Few diseases in modern history have generated the level of fear associated with Ebola. With graphic symptoms, high mortality rates, and images of overwhelmed treatment centres etched into public memory, Ebola became synonymous with the dangers of global outbreaks long before COVID-19 reshaped how the world thinks about pandemics. But what exactly is Ebola? Where did it come from? How dangerous is it today? And should the public still be worried? A Deadly Virus with a Modern Legacy Ebola virus disease was first identified in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The virus was named after the nearby Ebola River, and from the beginning it proved exceptionally dangerous, capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fever with fatality rates that have ranged from 25 to 90 percent depending on the outbreak and available medical care. For decades, Ebola outbreaks were typically isolated to remote regions of Central and West Africa. That changed dramatically in 2014 when the largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history spread through Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing over 11,000. The crisis exposed major weaknesses in global health preparedness and demonstrated how quickly infectious diseases can overwhelm healthcare systems and destabilize economies and communities. The outbreak also fundamentally changed international public health policy. Governments, hospitals, and health organizations around the world began investing more heavily in infectious disease surveillance, emergency response planning, quarantine procedures, and vaccine development. What Ebola Actually Does to the Body Ebola begins much like many common viral illnesses, which can make early detection difficult. Initial symptoms often include: Sudden fever Severe fatigue Muscle pain Headache Sore throat As the disease progresses, patients may develop: Vomiting and diarrhea Rash Liver and kidney impairment Internal and external bleeding Multi-organ failure The virus attacks the immune system and damages blood vessels and organs, often leading to shock and death in severe cases. Patients who survive can still face long-term complications including joint pain, neurological problems, eye disorders, and ongoing fatigue months or even years later. How Ebola Spreads -  And How It Does Not One of the most important public health facts about Ebola is that it does not spread through the air like influenza or COVID-19. Transmission occurs through direct contact with: Blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals Contaminated needles or medical equipment Infected animals Surfaces contaminated with infectious fluids This means Ebola is highly contagious in healthcare settings and among close family caregivers without proper protective equipment, but far less transmissible in casual public settings than many people assume. Funeral practices involving direct contact with deceased individuals have also historically contributed to outbreaks in some regions, making culturally sensitive public health education critically important during containment efforts. Treatments and Vaccines Have Changed the Outlook For years, Ebola was viewed almost as a death sentence. That perception has begun to change. Major advances in medicine and outbreak response have significantly improved survival rates, including: Rapid testing and surveillance systems Specialized isolation units Improved supportive care and hydration Monoclonal antibody treatments Effective vaccines for certain Ebola strains The development of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine represented a major breakthrough and has helped contain several recent outbreaks before they expanded into international crises. Global health organizations are now far better equipped to identify and isolate cases quickly compared to the early years of Ebola response. Should the Public Be Worried? Ebola remains a serious and deadly disease, but experts generally emphasize that widespread public panic is not warranted. Most outbreaks remain geographically limited and are aggressively monitored by national governments, the World Health Organization, and international health agencies. Countries with advanced healthcare systems also have far stronger infection prevention and containment capabilities than existed during earlier outbreaks. Still, Ebola continues to command attention because it highlights how interconnected global health has become. International travel, fragile healthcare systems, political instability, climate pressures, and human interaction with wildlife all increase the risk of future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. In many ways, Ebola serves as both a warning and a lesson: deadly viruses can emerge unexpectedly, but rapid science, coordinated public health measures, and global cooperation can dramatically reduce their impact. The world’s experience with Ebola helped shape many of the outbreak response systems now used to confront emerging diseases today, and public health experts continue to view it as one of the clearest examples of why pandemic preparedness remains essential. Connect with an expert:

ExpertSpotlight: From Revolution to Ritual: The Enduring Power of May Day Parades in Russia featured image

2 min

ExpertSpotlight: From Revolution to Ritual: The Enduring Power of May Day Parades in Russia

Each year on May 1, images of grand parades, waving flags, and tightly choreographed displays evoke a powerful legacy rooted in ideology, identity, and statecraft. In Russia, May Day—known as International Workers’ Day—has evolved from a revolutionary rallying point into a symbolic expression of national unity, political messaging, and historical continuity. Origins in Revolution and Worker Solidarity May Day celebrations in Russia trace their roots to the late 19th century, inspired by international labour movements advocating for workers’ rights—particularly the push for the eight-hour workday. Following the Russian Revolution, the holiday was institutionalized by the Bolsheviks as a cornerstone of socialist identity. Under leaders like Vladimir Lenin, May 1 became more than a labour holiday—it was a stage for demonstrating the strength and unity of the working class under communist rule. Early celebrations blended grassroots enthusiasm with emerging state control, reinforcing the ideological foundations of the new Soviet state. The Soviet Spectacle: Power on Display During the era of the Soviet Union, May Day parades transformed into highly orchestrated spectacles. Held prominently in Red Square, these events showcased military hardware, industrial achievements, and mass participation from workers, students, and state organizations. Under Joseph Stalin, the parades took on an increasingly propagandistic tone, emphasizing Soviet strength both domestically and to the outside world. Precision choreography, symbolic imagery, and sheer scale reinforced narratives of unity, productivity, and ideological superiority during the Cold War. Post-Soviet Transition: From Ideology to Identity Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the meaning of May Day in Russia shifted significantly. While it remains a public holiday, its overt ideological messaging has softened. Today, events often blend labour advocacy, political expression, and seasonal celebration. Modern observances frequently include rallies organized by trade unions such as the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia, alongside state-supported demonstrations that emphasize national unity and economic stability under leaders like Vladimir Putin. Why May Day Still Matters May Day parades in Russia continue to serve as a barometer of the country’s political and social climate. While the overt revolutionary fervor of the early 20th century has faded, the event remains deeply symbolic: Historical Continuity: A living link to the Soviet past and its defining narratives Political Messaging: A platform for governments to project stability and cohesion Labour Identity: An enduring reminder of workers’ rights and collective action Cultural Tradition: A widely recognized public celebration marking the arrival of spring Expert Insight What makes May Day in Russia particularly compelling is its adaptability. Across more than a century, it has shifted from protest to propaganda to public ritual, each iteration reflecting the priorities of the state and the sentiments of its people. Connect with more experts here: www.expertfile.com

View all posts
Powered by