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Seton Hall University

Information for Members of the Seton Hall Community – Engaging with Media

We provide media relations counsel to community members, including instructions on press release creation timeframes (two to three weeks), pitching research and achievements, developing Media Expert profiles, and an explanation of University guidelines for working with the press.   

Seton Hall Community Guidelines and Best Practices When Interacting with Journalists

  • Remember that when speaking to the media, you are a representative of Seton Hall. If you are contacted by a reporter and are unsure if you should respond, please reach out to our staff. Our team will always strive to acknowledge your outreach as soon as possible and, once a deadline has been provided, we are here to help you respond or have the media reach out to us as the point of contact  (e.g., a written statement; responses to specific questions; arrange an interview; help with talking points; provide media training and background information) or inform the reporter that a response will not be forthcoming, in advance of that deadline.
  • If you do not know how to respond to a question; don’t make it up. It is perfectly acceptable to acknowledge the question, not provide an answer and say you want to respond accurately. You can send the reporter to the Media Relations Office for a response and/or request additional time to provide an accurate response if possible.
  • Attribution of Information: There is no such thing as off-the-record. All conversations – whether by email, phone, or text – should be considered on the record unless both parties have mutually agreed otherwise.
  • When acting as an official University spokesperson, we expect you to be trained and follow applicable University policies. All authorized University spokespeople must complete the necessary internal training before speaking on behalf of the University.
  • Maintain confidentiality. Do not reveal confidential information. Check FERPA regulations. Consider HIPAA. You can always refer the journalist to the media relations department to provide a response or merely contact us for clarification.
  • Crisis Communications and Reputation Management: When addressing serious incidents, sensitive issues and crisis situations, Media Relations, in its University spokesperson’s role, has been designated to manage communications needs around the emergency as journalists’ main point of contact. Spokesperson functions include fielding questions, gathering the most up-to-date information, and facilitating the distribution of interviews and statements for student and professional media. Please provide our contact information to the media and alert us if approached to provide a statement by the press.

Requesting a press release: Press releases share with the external community and the media your significant achievements, ground-breaking research, prestigious grants and fellowships, as well as amplify the University’s Catholic mission beyond the realm of a news story on our website. We do live in one of the most competitive media markets in the nation, and so we request at least a two-week timeframe to brainstorm with you specifics on your story that would grab the interest of the media, create with you three bullet points that describe what you would share in a media interview, and provide your availability (days and times) that you are available to interview either in person or through a remote platform such as Zoom to connect with the media if the release generates interest.

Amplifying Your Successes: We love to celebrate your media successes. When you are interviewed by the media, have an opinion piece accepted or generate a thought leadership column, please let us know by contacting our office. We are interested in working with you to share your news, your expertise and see if we can work with you to create a news story on your accomplishments or generate additional media buzz by being able to pitch your research or achievement to a greater audience or additional media. The Office of Media Relations is available to provide pr counsel on ways to increase your success.