Being Prepared for the Media

Bill Ray, Principal
WR Communications

Whether you think it will happen or not, someday the media will call. If your organization is involved in public policy, community outreach, or representing a profession or industry, it’s likely that at some point there will be a reason for a reporter to call you. The best way to handle a media call is to be prepared, understand the “rules” of a media interview, know your “rights” as someone who would be interviewed, and understand the expectations of a media story. Bill reviews the fundamentals of media training and the “rules” of engagement with the press. There will be time and opportunity to answer your questions about media, social media, and the state of Colorado’s press.

About Our Presenter

Throughout his career in public affairs, Bill Ray has experienced the industry from all sides—as an editorial page editor, communications director for advocacy organizations, congressional press secretary and senior consultant on statewide, local and special district campaigns.

Bill spent five years as a member of the Colorado press corps, highlighted by several years as the editorial page editor of the Longmont Daily Times-Call and a member of the editorial board of Lehman Communication Corporation. He spent time in Washington as a press secretary in the 103rd Congress and as a policy and communications associate for the cable television industry. Back in Denver, Bill served as the communications director for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.