There are two things that really stick out to me about journalism that I'm not sure if people are familiar with. I feel these two general concepts are extremely important to keep in mind while being interviewed.
For one thing, if you don't say "take me off the record" or "please don't write this in your article" or "this is just between you and me," the journalist can write it in the paper.
Basically, you have the right to remain silent. Use it. It's only libel if the facts are UNTRUE. If you don't want it written, tell us during the interview.
My personal quip about this is that I've been more than ethical to my sources for one of my articles, checking over their quotes with them and losing part of what they originally said as a consequence. I did not have to do that, and I could have gotten a much better story if I hadn't.
Also, journalists can be very rude people. According to a poll in my Inside Reporting book, 77 of 100 interviewed professional journalists would read notes and letters if left on a public official's desk while the person they were interviewing left the room.
Be careful of what you let us see and hear.
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