Dear Journalist,
I’m glad you’re a professional, because I only work with pros. Thanks for your interest in this story about what our organization does to defend our country. We’re going to write this story together.
We’re writing this story together because this story is as important to me as it is to you. This story is as important to my organization as it is to yours. This story has the same impact to my audience as is it does to yours. We serve equally important purposes and we both care very much about facts and the truth.
I am going to ask about your approach and why you’re taking it, I’m going to make some recommendations. You will deal with questions about your sources, I will challenge why you are sourcing some and not others. I’m even going to ask where your source got their information. I’ll ask you and comment, “Why did you use that quote from my boss when you could have used this? I think you may be making a logical leap here and an assumption there. This part of our story is strong and really drives better understanding for our audiences.”
You should know, I’m biased. We likely all are.
I understand and respect you have the final say in what goes to your editor, though I’m happy to talk with your editor if you think that’ll help. I understand and respect it’s your name on the byline.
You are the journalist and I am the public affairs guy. It’s great working with you.
Thanks,
Dave
Photo by Airman 1st Class Jennifer Gonzales
