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APPENDIX B

WHEN THE MEDIA CALLS...

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Family members can expect interview requests from national or local media during contingencies. The following tips are suggested for use as a handout by family support groups and similar organizations.

Know

your rights. It's your choice whether or not to speak to reporters. If you choose to speak, you may stop at any time.

Know

the role of the media; they do a job vital for democracy. It is NOT harassment if they call your home or stop you at the supermarket asking for an interview. It IS harassment if they infringe on your privacy or persist after being told "no."

Know

with whom you are talking. Before answering questions, get the reporter's name, organization and phone number. Do this especially if you are going to decline the request. It will discourage the reporter from persisting.

Know

who will hear you. Family members may have information that would be useful to an enemy. Thanks to technology, the enemy can have access to what you say as soon as you say it. On the other hand, if you are enthusiastic about your spouse's mission, your response can build morale and help show American resolve.

Know

your limits. Talk only about what you know first-hand. It's OK to answer with, "I don't know." It is never a good idea to speculate.

Know

what to keep to yourself. If your spouse calls or writes with news about casualties, where the unit is or when it might redeploy, keep such information to yourself. Don't even share it with other family members. Deployments spawn rumors, and some of what you hear could be wrong, sensitive or subject to change.

Finally, remember that appearing on television or being written about in a newspaper article could identify you as a target for unscrupulous salesmen, crank calls or, worse, a burglary or rape. Be especially cautious if your phone listing includes your spouse's rank and your address.

Your family support group leader's phone number is _________________.

For additional help or guidance, your Public Affairs Office's phone number is______________.

Table of Contents
Appendix A - References
Appendix C - Tips on Media Interviews