Speaking of the school district, those were some less-than-media-friendly, but real-world comments and suggestions in that public information office memo to school employees back in August. The memo was occasioned by an investigation by the local ABC Action News into recruiting allegations in athletics. An Armwood High player was being highlighted.
The memo noted less than subtly that the affiliate piece would be showcased for “November sweeps.” It indicated that there were “no expectations that the story will be positive or that it will reflect the integrity of our coaches and sports programs.” It also reminded personnel that “no one is ever obligated to answer a reporter’s questions, and no one is required to consent to be interviewed.”
And then, just to remind personnel not to give the wrong, perp-like impression, this caveat: “…Never put your hand in front of the camera unless you want to be shown on the news doing that.”