@ me next time
A reporter can use anything you say in a story -- and may be quote you directly if you don’t specify terms -- but not attribute you by name
What is On Background
Piece of news shared with ONLY ONE press outlet and ONE press outlet alone
What is an Exclusive
A media event in which notable individuals or organizations invite journalists to hear them speak and ask questions
What is a Press Conference
An individual who can publicly speak on behalf of a candidate or elected official, typically to promote, defend, or explain their positions and policies
What is a Surrogate
An unintentional comment that causes a candidate/elected official embarrassment and/or political damage
What is a Gaffe
Nothing said can be used in a story or attributed to you in any way
What is Off the Record
Formal outline of tasks you need to complete to maximize earned media coverage within a specific time frame, taking into account the political environment, the message and themes the candidate is attempting to communicate, and opportunities available to introduce/define the candidate.
What is a Press Plan
A shorter press briefing (usually held by elected officials) in which video and photography is not allowed
What is a Pen and Pad
A person, usually a politician or a political operative, whose job is to act as a forceful advocate for their party or candidate, while simultaneously attempting to undermine the credibility, policies, or character of their political adversaries
What is an Attack Dog
Subtle editing tactic that keeps viewers engaged and significantly increases video completion rates.
What are Jump Cuts
Everything said can be used in a story but not quoted or attributed to anyone
What is On Deep Background
An agreement with a reporter that you will share information with them ahead of that information being public, so long as they comply with your terms
What is an Embargo
Getting more information about a story, including angle or thesis, what the reporter wants from us, what other voices they’ll have in their story, and deadline
What is Intake
The disembodied voice one hears booming through the speakers at an event or rally that introduces the candidate or moves the program along.
What is the Voice of God
Content created either by a camera or computer that is intended for viewing in portrait mode, producing an image that is taller than it is wide.
What is Vertical Video
Most candidates get in trouble because they forgot they are always...
What is On the Record
A speech that a politician makes again and again as they travel to different places during a campaign
What is a Stump Speech
A program that is produced essentially identically like a live broadcast, meaning that everything is done in one take, with minimal to no cuts, but it is recorded and broadcast at a later date.
What is Live-to-Tape
A journalistic technique that ends the article with a surprising or memorable comment that leaves an impression on the reader.
What is a Kicker Quote
Consequence to making a false statement that causes a target to claim any injury or damages
What is Defamation
A notice that contains the full name of the individual, group, political committee, corporation, or labor organization that paid for a piece of communication
What is a Disclaimer
News that breaks shortly before a closely-watched election that may influence the election’s outcome
What is October Surprise
Informal press briefing where everything is on the record and all press mediums are allowed, typically in less structured environments, outside or/after an event, on the steps of the Capitol, etc.
What is a Press Gaggle
You should always write in this style. Asserts that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb.
What is Active Voice
A term used in American politics to refer to a person who appears on all five American major Sunday morning talk shows on the same day.
What is a Full Ginsburg