Republican Presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann passed her first major media test with flying colors. She handled a pretty rude question from Chris Wallace during a Fox News Sunday television interview without even flinching.

As you can see in this video clip, Wallace brought up a number of mistatements or gaffs he said Bachmann had made and then asked, "Are you a flake?" 

This is the latest in a series of posts about how to prepare and carry out a successful media interview. Part One is here and Part Two is here.

When it comes to media training, it's important to separate the myths from the realities about interviews. For instance, one myth is that the reporter is your friend. Another is that during the interview you're speaking to the reporter or host. Let's define reality in each case.

MYTH: The reporter is your friend. 

This is the second in a series of posts about how to prepare for and conduct a successful media interview. Part One is here.

Preparing for an interview is more than just knowing about your subject or developing your message. You need to conduct an interview of your own so that you fully understand the setting or context of the interview. 

What questions will you want to ask?

A new survey of how journalists use social media and other new media provides a wealth of information for anyone involved in media relations and public relations.

Among the highlights of the suvey by Middleberg Communications: 69% of the 200 journalists questioned use Twitter, 75% are on Facebook, 78% say they make use of company websites and 54% say they use online video. 

This is extremely important for anyone trying to persuade the media to cover their story. Why?

How do you spell opportunity? T-R-I-B-U-N-E.

The Chicago Tribune, the largest daily newspaper in Chicago, has been going through a redesign that reportedly will contain more pages and more news stories. Crain's Chicago Business reports the new look will debut June 15.

That's worth a headline all by itself, because the Tribune has been shrinking its paper over the last several years as it grapples with declining readership. The change is a reflection of new management as the company tries to emerge from bankruptcy.

So, this is an opportunity for anyone in media relations or public relations and for companies and organizations that have a story to tell. Your chances of getting covered by the Tribune just got a lot better. Are you ready to make the most of it?

If you need help getting your story told, contact us at [email protected].

One of the traditional ways of getting media coverage is to distribute a press release and hope for the best. This can work, though it's generally more effective if a skilled media relations firm is involved.

Nowadays it's easy to build awareness for your message through social marketing. And yet, many people may assume this simply means posting their press release on Facebook. Consider one extra step.