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Improving Prosecutor-Media Relations - The Key to Effectively Communicating Your Message to the Public

NCJ Number
102782
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (Summer 1986) Pages: 37-43
Author(s)
D H Hugel
Date Published
1986
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article instructs prosecutors in the interests and motives of media coverage of crime cases and provides guidelines for prosecutors in their relationship with the media.
Abstract
Media are interested in crime cases because the public wants to read, hear, and view crime news. Prosecutors should instruct the media about the constitutional limitations imposed on pretrial publicity about any case. Prosecutors must also be careful to restrict pretrial case information only to those issues that will not jeopardize the accused's right to a fair trial. The timing, length, and organization of prosecutors' media releases should respect the deadline and space demands of the media. Prosecutors can maximize the impact of news releases for the public benefit by issuing them on 'slow' news days, such as over a weekend. Prosecutors should endeavor to develop professional relationships with local reporters covering the court. Prosecutors must remember, however, that all communications with reporters must meet the criteria for a news communication. News conferences should be limited to stories of major public interest. Frequent news conferences about minor cases will diminish the value of the conferences. Information provided to reporters must be accurate. The appendix presents the American Bar Association's rules of professional conduct pertaining to attorney and prosecutor statements for the media.

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