When I was in journalism school, the first thing the professors had us do was interview a classmate. It helped to build rapport with other students and let us practice our new interviewing skills.
But it also gave us a shocking insight into the news writing process.
There wasn’t a person in the room who didn’t think they were misquoted!
Why was that? After all, we students had no need to intentionally misquote someone.
It was because people don’t always express themselves clearly and reporters don’t always hear clearly either!
I wish there was a way to improve human communications, but I’m sure you’ll agree that everyone from your boss to your kids misunderstand you from time to time. Why shouldn’t reporters?
Oh well, not to make light of the situation, because it is very serious if the reporter mispresents you. So the question of the day is, “Have you ever been misquoted and what did you do about it?” Please submit your responses to the blog for everyone’s benefit.
Dan Janal
Your Fearless PR LEADER
PR LEADS Expert Resource Network
www.prleads.com
Save time
Sure, I’ve been misquoted. You can’t do a lot of PR and expect otherwise. Mostly it’s harmless. But harmless or otherwise, it’s a great opportunity to do a follow-up letter to the editor (or magazine or wherever), have your say, and get another day of free press.
Tammy Vitale, http://www.TamsOriginals.com;
http://blog.myspace.com/TamsOriginals