Talking to the media is a frightening prospect for lots of worker-activists, and there are very real risks associated with doing so. 

However there are also significant benefits to speaking about the issues that concern us as workers. Media ownership in Australia is amongst the most concentrated in the world, with the voices of the bosses and people in power dominating every outlet. The voices of workers with intersecting identities - women workers, LGBTIQ+ workers, workers of colour - are even less likely to be heard.

So speaking with mainstream media - or even creating and publishing our own stories - is a radical act.  

Here are our top tips for success:

🤔  1. Know why you're doing media 

If you haven't already, definitely talk to your union delegate or organiser before you commit to doing media - they'll be aware of workplace policies and the broader media strategy for your campaign.

Think about the purpose of putting yourself in front of the media. What does it achieve for your cause? Who are you trying to reach, and what one message do you want them to receive? (In union-speak, consider this "power mapping").

Eg., "I am doing an interview about the situation at my workplace because it will pressure the brand/executives to resolve our issue"

"I am giving quotes to a journalist because voters need to know about how this issue affects us/them"

Ask questions about the format, "angle", and who else the journalist is speaking to.

🎤  2. Journalists are stressed workers - it's their job to get a professional interview 

Getting you to represent your perspective well is part of their job. They aren't usually trying to make you look stupid, and they won't apply the same level of scrutiny to you that they would a politician.

The unreasonable workloads and deadlines in newsrooms and the increasing casualisation of publishing/broadcasting work can often make journalists prickly or pushy. Accommodate their requests if you can, but hold your ground if you're feeling uncomfortable. You can back out of media at any time. 

🍒  3. You get one bite of the cherry 

You have to assume that what is reported on the news will be AT MOST 2 sentences.

Make it easy for the journalist to edit a great grab of your point by practicing your main point and saying it confidently.

• Power pose!
• Rehearse your one key line
• Downward inflection at the end of your sentence

❤️ > 🧠  4. Know your values 

Question yourself deeply about the values behind your views. You need to be able to explain your values to a 7 year-old so they can explain it to another 7 year-old. Keep asking "Why?" until you get to the very heart of your story.

😮‍💨 5. If you didn't nail it, start again 

It is ok to admit you're getting flustered, to take a breath, and start your sentence over. Take the time you need - even on live radio! 

You can practice media appearances with other workers at Media Training offered by the Victorian Labour College at Trades Hall. Check the training calendar for upcoming dates, or send us an enquiry.