Why is asking to check an article before it gets published a no-no?
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
From time to time, we’re asked ‘Can I check the article before it gets published?’
Ultimately, we know the problem, anyone asking doesn’t want to get bitten with any misconstrued words. We understand that. And then there are a few who would like to dabble with the journalist’s copy, changing words or sections they don’t feel read quite right.
Should contributors get this opportunity? It’s a no in almost every situation. It’s understandable when you consider if every contributor to every article had this opportunity with ‘their’ article, we’d all end up reading vanilla. Journalists have done the training and the hard miles, they need to make their articles interesting to their audience.
Yet, we’re fortunate in the HR market. HR media is not sensationalist. It’s educational and advisory. That alone makes it easier to guide PR in HR’s clients (and their customers). (For better understanding, read about what HR Journalists think of HR people here, it’s enlightening.)
Even so, at the end of the day, good media relations is built on trust and knowing the publication and individual journalists. There are some publications beyond our market where we guide people to be extremely cautious.
So our advice if you’re a contributor talking to a journalist?
Understand what the journalist is trying to find out.
Match this to the key things you want to convey. This list shouldn’t be exhaustive.
Be awake and aware.
Think of it in terms of talking to a new customer - be respectful and advisory (Saying this, don’t try to sell or push a product or solution to a journalist, not even once).
Provide context and understanding. You have insights that the journalist doesn’t; the journalist wants to convey interesting things to their readers.
If you prefer, ask to take part in an email Q&A. Some journalists are happy with written answers.
Don’t give away company – or any - secrets. Don't go to the ‘this is embargoed’ conversation. Just don’t say it if it’s not meant to be public knowledge.
Be respectful of your personal brand, the company brand – and even competitor brands.
Have we, or one of our clients, been burned? No. Will we? It’s a potential. But we haven’t had any issues in our nearly 30 years of media relations - a testament to our PR for HR sector skills and understanding what both journalists and clients need.
Media relations is not like advertising where message control is part of the package.
But there is a special kind of authority. You’re mentioned because of merit, because of insights, knowledge and experience.
And that’s a win-win for all.
Need help getting the right message across? Get in touch: kay.phelps@prinhr.co.uk.
We’re experts at understanding the HR media and helping our clients get the right media attention. If you’d like actionable advice tailored to your situation, we’d love to help create some brilliant PR wins.