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Dealing with the media

Following a major event in which people have died, press interest in survivors and bereaved families can be intense. There are rules and standards the press should follow and help available if you’re having problems.

Standards for journalists

All members of the press have a duty to maintain the highest professional standards. The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) is charged with enforcing the 'Editors' Code of Practice'.

If you do not wish to speak to the media

You are under no obligation to speak to the media. If you don't want to speak to them - tell them.

If the media turn up at your home you are under no obligation to admit them. If you do not wish to answer your door, pin a short note to it saying that you do not wish to speak to journalists and do not want to be disturbed.

If you still feel that you are being harassed, contact the PCC immediately.

Police Family Liaison Officer

If you have been assigned a Police Family Liaison Officer, you may want to inform them of any problems you encounter with the media. Otherwise, contact details for your local police can be found by using the link below:

If you do wish to speak to the media

The following are some things to consider if you decide you do wish to speak to the media:

  • always make a note of the journalist's name and contact phone number at the outset
  • consider appointing somebody as a spokesperson for you or your family - this might be a relative or friend, or your solicitor - some support groups have appointed media liaison people who will field questions on behalf of the support group
  • don’t do anything in a hurry, whatever the journalist says about deadlines
  • ask what they want to talk to you about
  • ask them to write down the questions they want to ask you
  • give yourself time to think about what you want to say
  • write down your answers
  • ask the journalist to ring you back at a specified time
  • ask if you can see what they wish to quote from you before it goes to press - they may not do this, but it will alert them to your concerns about what they are going to publish
  • never say anything 'off the record' unless both you and the journalist have a shared understanding of what this means
  • remember that a journalist is entitled to report anything you say, so don’t mistake them for counsellors or friends
  • bring the conversation to a close if you are uncomfortable

Photographs

Sometimes journalists will ask for photographs of you, your loved one, and your family. You may wish to provide these, but remember that you are under no obligation to do so. If you do, ensure that you have a copy and ask for the photographs and any other personal items that you pass on to be returned.