Watching the local news tonight, I saw a story about a national politician making a local campaign stump stop.  The TV reporter met up with the politician at the airport, literally chasing the person down the hall.  I sat there, shaking my head.   The politician created a situation that looked like a Hollywood star running from the paparazzi.

Here’s the deal:  If you’re a politician – or someone actively seeking the news media stage – you can’t turn the reporters on and off at your whim; especially when you’re flying into a town to stump for a fellow political candidate.

It was especially disappointing to see this from someone who should have been heavily coached in how to deal with the news media – both local and national.

Running from a reporter with an outstretched hand holding a microphone while the camera is recording video presents a terrible persona.  The person on the run looks like they are… on the run; trying to hide something.

Stop.  Explain to the reporter you have sixty-seconds to talk.  Take a deep breath, compose yourself and answer the questions.  Then, politely excuse yourself.  You’ll look so much more dignified.

Tags: communication, interview, politician, politics, reporter, TV news