How to handle the media?

"ImmoralMinority" (araimondo)
08/06/2017 at 15:25 • Filed to: None

I agreed to have dinner Monday with a reporter. He is writing a story for a web site that I think has every reason to crucify me.

He sent me this:

“I am a reporter in Los Angeles researching an article about current legal disputes in the Central Valley involving some farmers and dairy owners and some farm workers in which you seem to be at center stage. I’m thinking in particular of the case in which Mr. [REDACTED] is suing you as an employer, even though you were the employer’s attorney, and the case you filed on behalf of Ms. [REDACTED] against officials at DOL, including one of its lawyers. I read these cases as somewhat parallel in that attorneys are being sued for taking allegedly coercive steps against litigants that allegedly pushed them to settle.

I’m wondering what’s going on? Have battles reached a new stage?

In gathering background, I’ve done quite a bit of reading and I’ve watched some Web videos — for instance, Mr. [REDACTED] making his oral argument at the 9th Circuit, your testimony at the Isadore Hall confirmation hearing and one of your wage and hour law presentations in which you asserted that some plaintiff’s lawyers regularly engage in coercive tactics in connection with their fees.

But I’d certainly like to get a better understanding of your perspective on all of this, including the roles of CRLA and ICE, so I am writing to request an interview. I would be pleased to come to Fresno if you could clear some time, preferably early next week, or, as a fallback, we could speak by phone.”

I don’t really know why I agreed to talk to this guy. Everything about this guy suggests that his view will not be friendly, but I am going to talk to him nonetheless. I think part of it is to prove to myself that I am not afraid to confront my critics. Is this suicidal?

DISCUSSION (12)

f86sabre > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:32

Are you even allowed to talk about it? Keep your answers simple and be positive. I’d also ask if you will be allowed to review the piece prior to release to ensure it is correct. Details and all that.

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:34

Go for it. It’s likely he will write whatever he wants anyways. Maybe you can help him understand your POV and build some empathy. IMO you look worse off if you don’t comment at all.

Quadradeuce > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:39

Just record the interview like Aaron Rodgers. That way they can’t misquote you.

InFierority Complex > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:40

You obviously know what you’re doing and my eyes glazed over reading the first paragraph of his email... so my professional advice is to drive the Sunchaser.

Sovande > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:40

What’s the potential upside? If the answer to that doesn’t satisfy you, cancel the meeting? I wouldn’t want to get shit on for an hour or so by someone who’s sole goal is to write a story that may me look bad in order to further their own agenda.

WilliamsSW > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 15:43

If it were me, I’d do it, in an effort to get my side of the story out there. But I’d want a lawyer or PR person to prep me and avoid any missteps or give them any opening that they can exploit.

However, I’m not a lawyer, so you’re better trained to deal with that than I am, so I think you’re in good shape as long as you keep emotions in check. Good luck!!!

random001 > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 16:01

Turn the tide, and crucify HIM!

Ssfancyfresh > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 16:05

From my experience, the truth sounds different when someone else controls the narrative.

Sounds like you’re in a sticky situation. you could consider what the story might look like without you telling your side. If the perceived blow back is worse if you were to remain silent, then I suppose you haven’t got anything to lose.

Nick Has an Exocet > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 16:33

I handle PR for a decent size company with a very tricky position in several areas. Free advice:

- If you feel that you need to tell the story, great. But hand pick the right place for it. Write an op ed / letter to an editor or find a journalist with a sympathetic ear.

- Preparation is everything. Research this reporter’s other articles. Find the common threads that stitch the other articles together. Have 3 points that you want to get across. Prepare for the questions that you think will be asked (write them down along with your answers).

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 17:10

Could this also be a case of any media is good media for your practice? One thing tho the reporter sounds like they might be very biased so if they pick and choose quotes from you for the story it’s going to make you look like a total wanker. BE CAREFUL, but say your piece.

DipodomysDeserti > ImmoralMinority
08/06/2017 at 17:45

My brother is a journalist. Most are smart and know when someone is or isn’t bullshitting. If you believe in what you’re doing than go for it.

The ideas that some of the commenters here have about journalists is pretty alarming. It’s not like it is a particularly high paying or glorified job. Most people get into it because they enjoy investigating and writing. There’s not some grand conspiracy among journalists to make people look bad. They have to put their name on everythin they do, and if they’re found bullshitting they will never find work. It seems like some of the fellas here rely on cable news or blogs for their news (hint: most of those guys aren’t actual joirnalists).

pip bip - choose Corrour > ImmoralMinority
08/07/2017 at 05:13

you’ll be fine.