Helpful Tips For Engaging with Media
The News & Public Relations team serves as a resource to faculty and staff on how
to effectively engage with members of the media.
As a general matter, the university will neither compel employees to speak with the media nor expressly prohibit them from doing so. Responding to media inquiries—and sharing your expertise, research and successes with members of the press—can be a meaningful way to elevate both your work and the university.
At the same time, there are important considerations in determining when it is appropriate to engage with reporters and when it may be best to respectfully decline or refer the inquiry to News and Public Relations.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to speak with the media about their areas of expertise, such as their published research or how their discipline relates to topics in the news cycle (e.g., a College of Business faculty member commenting for a news story on interest rates or a School of Nursing faculty member speaking with a reporter about flu season). However, employees should exercise caution when asked to comment on sensitive issues or institutional matters.
In these situations, it is best to refer the reporter to the Vice President for Enrollment & Communication, Karen Lykins, and/or the Director of News & Public Relations, Jonathan Frank.
Helpful Tips and Common Questions
- » Am I speaking for myself or the university?
When engaging with the media, faculty and staff should clearly state that they are speaking in their individual capacity and do not represent the views of Tennessee Tech University. Only the president, the Vice President for Enrollment & Communication, or their designees are authorized to speak on behalf of the university.
- » Do I need to notify OCM of a media request?
While not required, News & Public Relations appreciates a courtesy notification when faculty or staff plan to speak with the media. This allows our team to offer support as needed and, when appropriate, help amplify resulting coverage. Please email news@tntech.edu or jonathanfrank@tntech.edu.
- » Are there reporters we hear from most often?
Locally, News & Public Relations works frequently with media outlets under Stonecom Radio, including NewsTalk 94.1, Lite Rock 95.9 and TheUCNow.com. These outlets often reach out on a near-daily basis for news coverage. The university maintains a positive working relationship with this organization, and faculty and staff may feel comfortable engaging with routine requests—provided they do not involve sensitive or institutional matters.
- » Can I ask a reporter to share questions in advance or review a story before publication?
As a matter of journalistic practice, most reporters will not provide interview questions in advance or allow sources to review stories prior to publication. However, they can typically share general topics to help you prepare.
- » Can I use the university’s logo/trademarks in a publication in which I am set to be
featured?
Please consult News & Public Relations so we can assist. The university’s trademarks may not be used in any manner that suggests or implies Tennessee Tech’s endorsement of other organizations, companies, products, services or views without written approval by Tennessee Tech. If a news organization has requested brand materials (e.g., logos, photos of campus), you can also direct them to this communications toolkit.
- » If I am doing an on-camera interview (e.g., via Zoom), can News and Public Relations
assist with setup or background?
Yes. With advance notice, News & Public Relations can provide a professional setting, including a Tennessee Tech-branded backdrop and studio lighting at our offices in Foundation Hall. If participating in an interview from your office, be mindful of your background—ensure no sensitive information is visible, incorporate Tech-branded elements when possible and position your camera so you are centered in the frame.
- » Who can I contact if I have a project that may merit media coverage?
News & Public Relations is available to help promote faculty and staff achievements and initiatives. For potential news stories, please email news@tntech.edu or jonathanfrank@tntech.edu. The Office of Communications & Marketing also offers a range of paid services, including graphic design, videography and printing. Service requests can be submitted here.
- » Are there other ways to promote events or accomplishments?
Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit announcements to Tech Times, the university’s bi-weekly email newsletter, distributed each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Submission deadlines are 11:30 a.m. CT on Mondays and Wednesdays. Faculty, staff and students may submit content here and review submission guidelines here.