Media relations

[BG and Gavin]

Our local newspaper is coming to cover a therapy visit that Gavin and I are doing at the College Residence on Monday night.  I was wondering if anyone had any tips on what/what not to say.  I am also open to suggestions on a succinct way to say what his role is as a therapy dog.

Thanks in advance.

[DJ & Chance]

The main trick to dealing with reporters is to have a few key messages (talking points) firmly in mind that you want to communicate and then to find ways to use these talking points in response to reporter questions.  Redundancy helps to ensure that YOUR talking points end up in print.  Use simple, short sentences.  This is not likely to be a situation in which the reporter is probing into potentially controversial areas and so plan to have fun and let Gavin steal the show.  Good luck!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for the reply DJ.  I will try to keep in mind a couple of points that I wish to say.  As long as I don't have to be in the picture I think we are golden ;)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I only have media experience/suggestions for when the situations are catastrophic.  Your situation will be wonderful.  DJ gave you the best advice.

Where I work, we are not permitted to talk with the media, even if it is a good situation like yours.  I think your rules may be similar.   It is not like you are just visiting from an outside agency.  You also work there in another capacity.

But I doubt they will be seeking a controversial or taboo information as yours will be more of an entertainment type of news.

DJ gave you the best advice. Remember, it is easy to talk about ' What you know' and you do know Gavin and your dedication to the cause of bringing in dogs as help to stressed and depressed students!  So there you go

Roger, Spud, and I were once interview a few  years back.  Below is the link. It was harmless.

They did misquote me some but I really talk fast sometimes when I am nervous and she probably gave up  LOL

There is also a blog around here somewhere but it was long ago.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/albums/newspaper-article

[BG and Gavin]

I enjoyed reading your article Joanne.  Nice picture too!  The media department at the school has been talking to me for a while.  They had plans to bring in a writer and do a story as a media release.  This opportunity came by surprise though.  The college asked if they could put my visit on their FB page and the newspaper follows the college on FB so made contact and asked if they could come and cover the story.  I also got the go-ahead from TDI as they need to give their OK as well.  Their advice is to try and get in the TDI info (which I will)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

 

hmm I just read the link and I cut off a lot of what the article quoted I had said.  I copied this one off line four years ago.  The actual paper had a lot more of what I said, so maybe this was not a good example.  I have the article with more pics of baby Spud framed here at home. 

Regardless, I can't wait to see the article and I know you will post it for us!!!

[charlotte bednarsh]

You probably can focus upon the specific support that Gavin provides at the Residence, and the way in which therapy animals provide a unique support that often can't be accomplished by two legged beings.  Paz and I have been interviewed by  newspapers in NYC re: his support of children that have witnessed violent crime, and I focus upon the unique magic of the human-animal bond, and the ways in which therapy animals are non-judgemental and all accepting. Congratulations on your being interviewed, and I know you will be great!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Charli.  Keeping in mind his specific purpose at the college is good advice.  I was hoping you would chime in as I know you are an old pro at this!

[BG and Gavin]

Here is a picture from our last visit to student residence.  Does that student not look like a happy customer?

[DJ & Chance]

She is loving it!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

The look on the faces of the people we share our doodles with is so rewarding!

[BG and Gavin]

The reporter cancelled last night at the last minute as she was assigned to some hard breaking news.  It was a shame because two of the students had been primped and primed to speak with the reporter as well.  We will try again next month.