Zachary Downes’ Post

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Public Information Officer for Orange County Health Services

Part of my job as a Public Information Officer is to field reporter questions and inquiries. This is something I don't mind doing because as a former tv news producer, I like to be able to help producers and reporters if I can. I understand what it is like to have a story die and change direction with a deadline only two hours away or what it is like when no one involved with the topic will talk. I keep that in mind when reporters are in a hurry or seem a little bothered. Charlotte Hawkins did a good job of teaching me to never take things personal when someone is acting a certain way. Reporters and prodcuers are stressed beyond belief. However, reporter friends entering the tv news industry, do not ask PIOs questions you can answer yourself with a quick look at an agency's website or by doing a quick google search. If you see something you think is a story, research it before you pitch it and get assigned to it. If you don't, there is a good chance the PIO will just give you a statement, opposed to a camera interview, because the questions you asked have been answered before or they are simply answers you could find on your own. Help us help you. Do your research and formulate questions from the information that is out there. #Reporters #publicinformation #government #televisionnews #news #inquiries #research

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