During media training, a department director walked through the doors of a conference room. I turned on a bright light, stuck the camera in her face and began asking a series of tough questions. During this mock ambush interview, I moved the camera around a lot and sometimes pushed it awkwardly close to her face.
- In theory, reporters conduct ambush interviews because all previous efforts to get those crucial interviews were unsuccessful.
- In reality, some media conduct unnecessary ambush interviews because they make for dramatic “good TV.”
- If reporters you don’t know ambush you, stop and politely ask them to identify themselves and the stories they are working on. This creates a less tense atmosphere and gives you a moment to pause, catch your breath and gather your thoughts.
- If reporters ambush you in an awkward or uncomfortable location, don’t be afraid to tell them you are happy to answer their questions but prefer to move to a different area.
- If you are not allowed to answer reporters’ questions, explain why.
- If you ignore reporters who ambush you or act angry and disgusted, they will most likely show this to viewers or describe your actions to readers.