Unlock the Top 10 Media Engagement Secrets from Harvard’s Center for Health Communication!

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for better preparation of public health professionals to engage with the media effectively. Journalism, while a profession, often feels like a calling for many who work in the field. This dual nature is why the Center for Health Communication commissioned the guide “Engaging with the Press: A Guide for Perplexed Readers and Sources,” authored by Richard J. (Dick) Tofel, veteran news executive and Center faculty affiliate.

The guide offers ten essential lessons for navigating media interactions:

1. Recognize that journalism is both a profession and a calling.
2. Understand the differences between generalist and specialist reporters.
3. Avoid assuming reporters understand your field; explain the jargon and provide context.
4. Adjust your interactions with generalist reporters during major, unexpected events.
5. Build relationships with reporters who regularly cover your work.
6. Engage with investigative reporters thoughtfully and transparently.
7. Emphasize the importance of timeliness and accuracy in news reporting.
8. Understand that quality news organizations focus on long-term brand-building.
9. Be prepared to back up your claims and correct any inaccuracies.
10. Inform editors of factual errors to maintain accuracy and credibility.

These lessons aim to empower public health professionals to navigate the media landscape confidently and clearly, ensuring accurate and effective communication. They are also applied to journalists in the MENA region, where most journalists who cover health news are generalist reporters.

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