Can't We All Just Get Along?

Refining rapport between legislators and reporters

A lively debate on the relationship between state policymakers and journalists took place at NCSL's Annual Meeting 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah in July. A panel of two state lawmakers and two reporters discussed the results of a survey on the topic. They also shed light on how each camp perceives ethical behavior. The goal of the session was to help each side understand the other's motives and responsibilities to the public. Panelists and audience members worked together to create these lists of reporters' tips for legislators and legislators' tips for reporters .

Legislative public information staffers also discussed these issues at the 2004 Legislative Information and Communications Staff (LINCS) professional development seminar. Their tips are below at tips from legislative communications staff for their counterparts.

Reporters' Tips for Legislators

Be honest.
Correct your mistakes.
Be concerned about "off the record." People define it differently, so if you're going to go off the record, make sure you and the reporter understand each other's definitions.
If you can't speak knowledgeably about an issue, don't speak about the issue.
Return calls quickly.
Don't whine. (If a news outlet didn't use your mug shot, but instead chose one of someone else who was quoted in the story, don't take it personally.)
If you don't want to see it on page one, don't do it.
Don't be afraid to defer questions to other legislators who know more about a particular issue.
Don't initiate contact with a reporter about an issue you're not well versed on.
Give straight answers.
Speak English.
Make sure you understand the questions.
Make sure reporters understand your answers.
Prepare for interviews.
Edit yourself.
Avoid saying "no comment." That translates to "I did it."
Legislative staffers should not be roadblocks.
Elected officials should speak for themselves, not through spokespeople.
Read the bills.

In addition to the above tips, legislators and legislative staff members suggested that their counterparts stay on message during an interview, and refrain from getting too comfortable with reporters. Reporters may disagree with that advice, though.

Legislators' Tips for Reporters

Be honest.
Correct your mistakes.
Do your research: study the subject you're writing about; know the history
Treat everyone with consideration for their feelings.
Treat everyone with respect.
Get context.
Admit if you don't understand something.
Don't ask hypothetical questions.
Make sure the archived stories in your outlet's library are accurate.
Double check.
Respect legislators' time frames. (They may be on the floor debating a bill when you need to talk to them.)
Trust that sometimes, staff members can speak for elected officials.
Read the bills.

In addition to the above tips, reporters urged their counterparts to push to talk to actual elected officials, rather than their spokespeople.

Tips From Legislative Communications Staff For Their Counterparts

Offer to sit down with reporters and explain to them complicated processes such as the state budget.
Explain the legislative process to new reporters.
Maintain personal relationships with reporters and your legislators.
Learn which reporters you can trust.
Get your legislators to develop relationships with local reporters. Legislators can take reporters to coffee, and talk about something other than the legislature.
Conduct media tours both at the beggining and end of sessions. You can use these to explain your priorities to reporters, and your accomplishments.
Be accessible -- both legislative staffers and legislators themselves.
For staffers, and legislators: Don't be afraid to not complete a thought. If you've gone off on a tangent, you can pause, rewind, and start over. Reporters will understand, especially if you've cultivated a good relationship with them.
Meet face to face when possible.
Respect and value weekly newspapers and small market television stations.
Explain to your legislators how tough it is to be a reporter, to explain complicated subjects in a short amount of space.
Remind reporters of your background, especially if you are a former reporter. Tell them, "I know about deadlines."
Become the go-to person. Tell reporters, "Call me first and then I'll get you the legislator. I have the best access."
Find out where reporters hang out, and go there.
Take your news conference to the story.
Don't have too many people speak at a press conference.
Make a media relations presentation at new member training sessions.
Share the NCSL toolkit with your legislators, and customize materials in it for your members, if possible.