Really interesting points there Steve. Like you I've engaged with the media a lot - but for totally different reasons of-course, as I'm much more likely to be on the news or a documentary talking about some tragic air accident (or more recently occasionally about flying cars and low emissions aeroplanes, which is a lot more fun as nobody died first).
I'd add an eleventh rule that certainly applies to me, but might to politicians responding to current events.
DON'T CONJECT. Stick to what is demonstrably known and true, so far as you possibly can. There used to be a well known aviation journalist who loved to conject on TV about the causes of accidents, and got a dreadful reputation and nickname in the industry as a result. There's always things that can be talked about (previous similar events, how things will be investigated, etc.), but if you genuinely don't know what happened behind the scenes of an event, or some great person is thinking or about to do, and give it your best guess on the air, 4/5 times you'll be wrong and look like an idiot as a consequence. The media won't care as it's just air time and something they can talk about, but it's a great way to lose the respect of your peers.
Great article. Every single bit of it is true. As a former journalist in Australia this is the advice I give people having to deal with journalists: “Journalists are not your friends. Ever. Their goal to get as good a story as possible and they don’t care if it’s at your expense.” Once you accept that, and prepare for it, you’ll be fine.
Really interesting points there Steve. Like you I've engaged with the media a lot - but for totally different reasons of-course, as I'm much more likely to be on the news or a documentary talking about some tragic air accident (or more recently occasionally about flying cars and low emissions aeroplanes, which is a lot more fun as nobody died first).
I'd add an eleventh rule that certainly applies to me, but might to politicians responding to current events.
DON'T CONJECT. Stick to what is demonstrably known and true, so far as you possibly can. There used to be a well known aviation journalist who loved to conject on TV about the causes of accidents, and got a dreadful reputation and nickname in the industry as a result. There's always things that can be talked about (previous similar events, how things will be investigated, etc.), but if you genuinely don't know what happened behind the scenes of an event, or some great person is thinking or about to do, and give it your best guess on the air, 4/5 times you'll be wrong and look like an idiot as a consequence. The media won't care as it's just air time and something they can talk about, but it's a great way to lose the respect of your peers.
Very good.
Steve, this is exceptionally good. I have enjoyed every word 😊
Wonderful! Thank you Joel!
Great article. Every single bit of it is true. As a former journalist in Australia this is the advice I give people having to deal with journalists: “Journalists are not your friends. Ever. Their goal to get as good a story as possible and they don’t care if it’s at your expense.” Once you accept that, and prepare for it, you’ll be fine.
Fabulous! Thanks Tony