Can I talk to the media?
Other Officers may issue press releases or communicate with the media on behalf of their department, on the condition that it is made clear in all communication that they are only speaking for their department.
In the event of the President not being available for comment, the Secretary will do so if there is a reasonable belief that the President and/or the Students’ Council agree with the substance of their discussions and/or press release.
UMSU Staff should not make press releases or speak to the media on behalf of UMSU except for the purposes of promoting or publicising UMSU events/services.
In short, the process is: If you are contacted by a journalist, do not make comment (unless you are the President). Ask them (politely!) exactly what they need, the angle of the story they are pursuing, who else they are speaking with, and their deadline. Ask them to email through their questions, CCing press@union.unimelb.edu.au. Then immediately pass this information on to the President with any supporting documentation. Keep responses brief.
If you are talking to the media as a Student Representative or Staff member (in relation to your department, event or service) it must be made clear in the publication that you are only speaking for your department, and that your role within UMSU is explicitly stated.
Resources available to you:
- Use our Press Release template in conjunction with our guide to how to write for the media/press.
- Proofread it. Many times, by different people—including the CME team
- Publish it on your department’s section of the UMSU website
- Promote it through social media with hashtag #UMSUunimelb #unimelb #uommedia
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