Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions NHRIs also need to understand the requirements of journalists from different types of media outlets. For example, a radio journalist, a print journalist and a television journalist all need quite different elements to file a story with their respective news editors. As far as possible, NHRIs should seek to ensure that journalists covering their issues are able to source the elements necessary to compile strong and compelling news stories. Sometimes NHRIs will be able to provide these elements and sometimes they might need to refer a journalist to another organization. What do journalists need? One common thing that all journalists require – no matter what type of media outlet they work for – is information that clearly sets out the key elements of the story. This will often be presented in the form of a media release. However, if a story is evolving rapidly or if the NHRI cannot comment about the issue in detail, providing a journalist with a simple list of facts or dot points will generally be enough. Journalists also need people who can talk clearly and knowledgeably about the issue at hand, either to quote in a story or to provide additional background information. These spokespeople will sometimes be referred to as “talent”. NHRIs are often contacted by journalists who ask to speak with a person who has experienced discrimination or a human rights violation. NHRIs need to think carefully about such requests and ensure that any interview does not expose that person to additional harm, such as embarrassment, humiliation or potential victimisation. If such an interview does go ahead, the NHRI should offer the person support and advice at each stage of the process. APF Photo by Michael Power. 6 | Chapter 1: Working effectively with the media