Home
>
Public Relations
>
Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

When ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced he had lung cancer last month, reporters who cover the media went into breaking news mode.

What did it mean to the future of network news, they wondered? What would ABC News do to recover from the tragic announcement? And what sources could they talk to who would fill them in on the latest rumblings at ABC?

That's when my phone rang. A reporter from PR Week, a prestigious public relations magazine, was ready to interview me. As a former ABC News production coordinator, they thought I might have something to say.

Since the reporter and I had corresponded over e-mail prior to her call, I knew the call would be coming. I took some time to prepare my comments, the same way I coach my clients to do so.

But when the story came out, something had gone terribly awry.

Here's what the author wrote:

"Brad Phillips, a former production coordinator for Nightline who now owns his own PR firm, said the network made a mistake in not grooming an obvious successor for Jennings. 'The day of the star anchor is over,' he said. 'The news about Peter Jennings may be the tipping point that dismantles the news division.'"

Note that last line. Here's what I actually said:

"The sad news about Peter Jennings may be the tipping point that devastates the news division."

Far from proclaiming that ABC News was dismantling its news division, I was saying that the loss could be a deeply hurtful blow for ABC.

Upon reading the article, some Nightline producers walked out of their offices, saying, "Did you see what Brad Phillips said?" They thought one of their own was rubbing the bad news in even further. The only problem, of course, is that I didn't say it.

So how can a full-time media trainer have his quotes reported inaccurately? Simply put, it happens. This is a business of percentages, not perfection, and whenever you're dealing with another person, in this case a reporter, there is a margin of error. But since this was the first misquote I've ever had after dozens of successful interviews through the years, it reinforces that being well prepared for interviews almost always works.

Still, I now personally understand how frustrating it feels to have your name followed by words you didn't say, and I had to temper my instinct to respond with the advice I've always given my clients.

First, I tell clients, the closer you are to a story, the more inaccurate it appears.

Second, if they respond to an error that the reporter regards as a nitpicking point, it could alienate that journalist for future stories.

Third, if a correction is ultimately published, you've then widened the number of people who are aware of the original error ? those who read it the first time, and those who read it as part of the correction.

To be clear, corrections are sometimes warranted. In this case, I didn't deem this infraction serious enough to request one. Instead of assuming the reporter spiced up my quote to add more drama to her story, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt that she had just made an honest mistake.

Ultimately, I did what I tell my clients to do. I contacted my friends at ABC News directly to tell them what happened. I decided not to correct the record with the reporter, since I'd rather have her as an ally for future stories. And the most important thing I will not do, which many clients understandably want to do in these circumstances, is avoid the phone the next time a reporter calls. It's the wrong response. When properly prepared, you'll get it right the vast majority of the time. And I'll take those odds every time.

Brad Phillips is the founder and president of Phillips Media Relations. He was formerly a journalist for ABC News and CNN, and headed the media relations department for the second largest environmental group in the world.

For more information and to sign up for free monthly media relations and media training e-tips, visit http://www.phillipsmediarelations.com

house refresh service Lincolnshire ..

In The News:

Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.

New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.

Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.

New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.

Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.

Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.

New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.

The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.

The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.

Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.

Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.

Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.

The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.

OpenAI announced upgrades for its ChatGPT Images platform on Tuesday, saying the program can now make more precise edits and produce images more quickly.

Chrome for Android now turns web articles into AI-powered podcast conversations. Get hands-free browsing with Google Gemini's natural audio summaries.

Media Relations: What To Do When Youre Misquoted

Public Relations