Press and Broadcast Relations

'In dealing with the press do yourself a favour. Stick with one of three responses: (a) I know and can tell you; (b) I know and can't tell you, or (c) I don't Know.'
Dan Rather, broadcaster.

Having been on both sides of the information fence, I know exactly what Dan Rather is talking about. Most problems arise because information is released before it should have been, or information is withheld when it should have been released or misinformation, either deliberate or unwitting, has been released in the belief that this was the best course of action.

Managing information has been a professional activity for some time. In an age when the demand for information has never been greater, making your voice heard can be of paramount importance.

And of course, there are times when remaining silent is the best option. But how you remain silent without seeming to admit anything is difficult.

Knowing when to shout and when to slip into the background is a professional skill which must be based on a comprehensive knowledge of the dynamics of the information market. There are still those who believe there is no such as an information market. Believe me, there is.

Don Anderson Media specialises in dealing with government departments and corporate entities.

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