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Center for Health Communication

Engaging with the Press: A Guide for Perplexed Readers and Sources

Motivations behind the resource

Read by section

Introduction

Hear from Dick Tofel about the motivations behind writing this resource.

What motivates the press?

Learn about the difference between specialist and generalist reporters, pressures on reporters, building relationships, and more…

What motivates editors?

Learn about what motivates editors, including competition, mission, craft, cost, and more…

What motivates publishers?

Learn about how advertising, readers, and events motivate publishers.

How a source's material is presented – and received

Learn about how the material you provide to the press will be presented and received.

Problems for readers

Learn about problems for readers, including accuracy, fairness, and sophistication.

Problems for sources

Learn about problems for sources, including competing agendas with reporters and colleagues, reliability, and the afterlife of stories.