New College Media Guide

So, your school just gained the attention of national news - you may be considering reaching out to reporters, or even been contacted yourself. But what should you say? Protecting yourself, your education, and your fellow members of the community will be more important than ever as Big Brother watches our every move; in light of that, here are some tips and guidelines for my fellow Novos.

Decide your boundaries

Decide how much, if at all, you feel comfortable talking to the media. While you may feel an obligation to one way or the other, it's imperative to consider whether you feel like you can represent yourself and other students appropriately in an interview, if it's good for your mental health, and what level of personal privacy you want to maintain.

Just because you are trying to support the school as a collective, doesn't mean your personal liberties fall to the wayside.

Ask yourself:

Will I be able to tactfully, appropriately and respectfully represent myself and the school?
Is it worth my time or effort to talk to the media?
Do I feel strongly enough about this to offer something to say?
Do I feel comfortable with my name, quote's or voice being used in public media?

Ask your friends and peers for advice if you've been approached, and if you don't feel comfortable - find someone who might be.

In all matters, take care of yourself and use your own discretion. Hopefully, this guide will help you make an informed decision, and allow you to walk into an interview as prepared as the reporter.

On-record vs. Off-record

The first thing you should decide before speaking to a reporter is whether you want to be "On the record", "Off the record", or "on background"

Writer's Digest explains the three like this: link

"On the record" means that the information given, as well as the source’s name and identification, can be published with no restrictions, including direct quotes.
"Off the record" means that neither the information nor the source can be published; however, the information may help direct the writer to someone who is willing to go on the record or on background.
"On background" means that certain information may be used so long as it doesn’t serve to identify the source, so usually the reporter and the source agree in advance as to what can be used.

Ask the reporter before the interview if you can speak on or off record or on background. Establish this transparency early on, and decide what identifiers you are willing to reveal.

Weary about giving up your identity but ok with giving quotes? Say this:

"I would like to speak with you about the ongoing events with the New College of Florida board, but I am not comfortable going on record. I am willing to be quoted, but would prefer being credited as simply 'New College Student'"

Edit that to fit your needs.

Questions you should ask reporters

Reporters shouldn't be the only ones asking the questions, the best thing you can do is have a full understanding of what is going on. After you clarify whether you will be on-record, here are a few other questions to consider!

Before the interview:

Can I see a list of questions that you will be asking?
- If they say yes, this will allow you to prepare in a more tactful manner.
What outlet do you work for, and where will this be posted?
- Any reporter worth their salt should tell you this off the bat, otherwise - be suspicious. If you don't know the news outlet - take a moment to look it up, or just don't talk to them.
Am I being recorded in any way, either through notes, audio or video?
- They are legally required to tell you this, but make sure you know.
- The likely answer is yes but, if you are uncomfortable with that, ask the reporter if you can possibly not be recorded. This goes along with being on record.
- Additionally, ask where the tape or notes will be stored and what it will be used for.
How did you find my contact?
- Not active on social media, but somehow got a call/email/dm. It's important for you to know who/what is giving out your information.
Why are you talking to me in particular?
- Make them convince you a bit. They should have a good reason, even if it is "I want to understand where students are coming from."
- Tip: a good reporter should be looking to humanize the situation

Beginning of the interview

Can I see/hear this before it's published?
- Given the sensitivity of our current situation - you have the right to see the piece before it's published and make sure your quotes aren't being used inappropriately.
Who else are you speaking to on this?
- Might help you understand your role in the story and get context on where you fall.

During the interview

Do not hesitate to stop and make the reporter clarify their questions.

Do not hesitate to stop the interview and tell them that you are uncomfortable continuing, and you would like them to wipe the tape.

Use your discretion on whether you want to answer questions (you can refuse individual questions) and think carefully about your answers.

End of the interview

How can I best reach you?
- Get their contact info. You might want to give them more details or contacts later. Or, if you have an issue with the story, you will want to reach out to tell them.
How else can I help elevate the voices of New College Community members for this story?
- If by the end you trust the reporter, ask what you can do to help if you feel comfortable doing so.

Add more if you please, and if you have any to suggest and know how to contact the collective of neurons running the site, feel free to reach out.

Remember! Consent is important in many ways, so if you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable with anything, say no to the interview or ask to be taken off the record.

Ultimately, you own your words - not the reporter - and if before, during or after you realize you are uncomfortable, then you have the right to revoke consent, ask them to not use your quotes, and cut contact.

Further Consideration

Use your discretion. We are a powerful and intelligent student body Null Sets, I put my trust in you.

I can't tell you what to do, no one can, and I didn't provide answers to look for because ultimately that will be up to you based on your boundaries.

Set your expectations before an interview, know what you want to get out of it. If you aren't getting that, politely leave.

Don't fall victim to persistence, directly refuse to answer a question if you must, but if you are uncomfortable do not give in.

Prioritize your own mental and physical health. No media outlet or school is worth hurting yourself over, I want each one of you to be ok by the end of this.

Finally, and quite frankly most importantly, do not give away any information that isn't yours to give. Your friend's name, identifiers and experiences, college customs and traditions, classroom discussions or lectures, faculty's opinions, or whispers of organizing and protests - that is not the media's business. They spoke to you, so you speak for yourself - not the college, students, or anyone else. They might want you to tell them deeper details, but you do not have the consent of the entire student body to give it. There are plenty of people who want to be unknown to the media, let them keep that autonomy.

If you know the collective, feel free to reach out or flag someone down in our student center.

Stay safe, "woke", and mentally fortified Novo's!