Press interviews

The media, particularly local broadcasters, can often be the best way of getting accurate information or advice to members of the local community. A brief interview with someone authoritative at the scene of an incident can be a powerful way of defusing rumour and panic which may otherwise spread quickly.

However, to people not used to being interviewed this can seem like very unwelcome pressure at a difficult time. Any member of the school community may be approached to give press interviews, including pupils. Journalists may want to get access to school premises or try to contact individuals at home.

Remember to include procedures on handling the media in the school's emergency plan, and make sure all staff and governors are familiar with the guidance.

Points to note with media interviews:

If possible, agree an interview format and establish what the interviewer wants to ask. Try to have another person with you to monitor the interview.
Be clear in your own mind what you want to say, and talk it through with a colleague first if possible. But you will also need to be prepared to think on your feet.
If possible, get statements checked by legal advisors and governors.
Remember, you could be quoted on anything you say to a journalist, even if it is not a formal part of the interview.
If you do not know the answer, say so.
Stick to the facts and do not be drawn into speculation.
Don't over-elaborate your answers.
Do express your sympathies and don't be afraid of showing a little emotion if appropriate. But try not to get angry, especially if it is for television.
Refuse requests for photographs or schoolwork of children or staff involved.
Do not allow journalists to wander around school premises unescorted.

School emergency-management plan Health and safety in schools School security Educational visits First aid Evacuation procedures Calling emergency services Counselling Media handling Press interviews Communicating with parents	Press interviews The media, particularly local broadcasters, can often be the best way of getting accurate information or advice to members of the local community. A brief interview with someone authoritative at the scene of an incident can be a powerful way of defusing rumour and panic which may otherwise spread quickly. However, to people not used to being interviewed this can seem like very unwelcome pressure at a difficult time. Any member of the school community may be approached to give press interviews, including pupils. Journalists may want to get access to school premises or try to contact individuals at home. Remember to include procedures on handling the media in the school's emergency plan, and make sure all staff and governors are familiar with the guidance. Points to note with media interviews: If possible, agree an interview format and establish what the interviewer wants to ask. Try to have another person with you to monitor the interview. Be clear in your own mind what you want to say, and talk it through with a colleague first if possible. But you will also need to be prepared to think on your feet. If possible, get statements checked by legal advisors and governors. Remember, you could be quoted on anything you say to a journalist, even if it is not a formal part of the interview. If you do not know the answer, say so. Stick to the facts and do not be drawn into speculation. Don't over-elaborate your answers. Do express your sympathies and don't be afraid of showing a little emotion if appropriate. But try not to get angry, especially if it is for television. Refuse requests for photographs or schoolwork of children or staff involved. Do not allow journalists to wander around school premises unescorted.
The advice contained on this site should not be taken as an authoritative interpretation of the law. That is a matter for the courts.