Speaking with the Media

University Communications encourages and supports faculty members to work with the Media to provide expert commentary in their field of study and enable increased recognition of TWU research and scholarship in the marketplace. We ask that University Communications be informed and involved in all media interaction.

Expert Commentary

All media inquiries are managed through the University Communications (UComm) department to effectively connect media with experts and to manage the image and reputation of the University.  Media also contact faculty members directly, facilitated by UComm’s experts database (www.twu.ca/sites/media/experts)

General Guidelines

1.     When You Are Contacted by the Media:

• Please inform UComm that contact has been made. UComm can also coordinate requests for interviews and photo opportunities.
• Regarding topics related to the reputation of the University, strategic directions of the institution, faculty members or administration and polices, please contact University Communications prior to an interview.
• Respond to the media request as soon as possible. Media are working on tight deadlines that we respect, and they appreciate your quick response.
• If you are unable to respond to a media request or need assistance, please contact UComm Communications Specialist - Public Relations or VP of University Communications.  

 2.     If you respond to Media, here are some tips to follow before commenting:

• Whether you are the most knowledgeable and responsible (academically and/or divisionally) person for the topic in question?  If not, please work with UComm to determine alternate experts.
• Consider what information the reporter is seeking, and what information is already known?  
• How the information will be used ‐‐ is the reporter doing a feature or is a simple fact check needed?  
• What other sources has the media accessed; are there other contacts you could recommend?
• What is the deadline for the information needed? If you don’t have the information on hand, let them know you can follow-up with an email or phone call at a later date.
• Try your best to provide the information as soon as possible before the deadline.

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