Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

Guidelines for Television Appearances
Chapter 4
How you look—Wear suitable conservative clothing in subdued colours. In the field, suits are
not appropriate. Check your appearance before going in front of the camera.
What you say—Before you begin, discuss with the interviewer what line the discussion will take.
Remember that the interviewer and the audience know less about your subject than you do.
State the most important point(s) at the beginning and refer to it (them) in subsequent points.
Keep answers short. Your answers are likely to be edited. Avoid saying ‘I think’ but rather use
‘we’ or UNHCR as the subject.
What you do—Make eye contact with the interviewer and not the camera. Do not let your
eyes wander.
What measures would you suggest to deal with the situations described below?
In each situation, an emotional response is being generated by media actions.
An aggressive reporter may have no ill intentions but it is his/her job to get a story—
the media world is very competitive. Responding appropriately to these pressures will
help you produce effective results from media contacts who will subsequently promote
UNHCR’s objectives. Even if a reporter tries to provoke you to divulge more than you
are authorised to, remember to stay composed at all times. Do not take it personally!
For most people, this will require some practice.
The first step is to exert UNHCR ground rules with media representatives. It is
important to remember, in all of the above situations that hostility is a no-win
strategy with the media. Despite your own well-justified feelings of anger or irritation,
under no conditions should you be hostile or condescending toward a reporter.
Situation A—You are returning from a refugee camp when you are surprised by a number of
reporters in the airport hallway. They gather around you, push microphones and tape recorders
toward you and shout questions. The situation soon becomes chaotic. You feel tired and irritated.
Situation B—You are prepared to answer tough questions about human rights violations in a
refugee situation. You know much about this subject but have been authorised to give only limited
information. During the interview a reporter asks a question in a very contentious manner, insinuating
that actions taken by the assistance organisations are irresponsible. You begin to feel angry.
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