Report advises PR professionals to avoid flirting with the press

An almost unbelievable report from London’s police department outlines 10 tips for avoiding trouble with the media. This you’ve got to see.

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Most notable, the independent report offers advice, based on real examples, on how to change the way London’s Metropolitan Police work with the media. There are some legitimate gems in the tip sheet, but some are uniquely catered for the apparently cozy relationships in the U.K.

My favorite is the “late-night carousing” warning and how another bottle of wine might get you to spill the beans. Advice from the report simply says, “Avoid.” It’s true, drinking with a journalist is never a good idea, but I’m not sure it happens very often these days—at least on this side of the pond.

A related media tactic in the report is under the heading “Flirting,” and it’s about being careful about dropping your defenses. There is some good advice, such as reporter traps that lead you to confirm information with misleading questions or flat-out lying.

The author of the report said:

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