How sources seek to control news

[ ] = II items Ch. 4

      1. [manipulate deadlines] -- at 4pm Friday no one will cover it
      2. [manipulate access] (exclusives, early press releases, etc.)
      3. use 6 word headlines and soundbites [language]
      4. avoid yes-no answers [language]
      5. be visual [symbols and pseudo-events, use locations well]
      6. use wires and local outlets for press release stuff [direct news feeds, perpared editorials, electronic press kits]
      7. meet expectations but make news
      8. be unusual
      9. get near the president
      10. leak info
      11. confess mistakes
      12. keep cool on slow news days or use them
      13. don't criticize the press 

Methods of Source Attribution

  1. on record
  2. check quotes
  3. background
    1. not for direct attribution
    2. not for direct quote
  4. deep background
  5. off the record

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last updated 4/5/2001