Reporters prefer conversations over written statements

In the old days — I’m talking pre-internet and e-mail — reporters routinely cold-called potential sources for comments on stories.

More recently, people seem surprised, almost offended, when they answer the phone and are asked for information right off the bat.

They’d rather we sent an e-mail or text first so they can get their proverbial ducks in a row. Then, they might even get back to us.

It’s a far cry from the 1990s when then-Saskatchewan Wheat Pool president Leroy Larsen answered his own phone and took my questions.

This leads me to the supplied written statement, a favourite of governments and increasingly others.

This is different than a press release, which promotes a position, policy or product and usually, but not always, includes contact information with the expectation of requests for more information or interviews.

The written statements are usually vague, often unattributable and produced for even the most innocuous question or topic.

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This isn’t good enough, especially for elected officials who should be accountable to the public.

Media are one of the essential pillars of democracy, no matter what the criers of fake news would have you believe. They act as a government watchdog and stir debate.

In Canada, the House of Commons, Senate and provincial legislatures all have press galleries to ensure this role is fulfilled.

Imagine if a written statement was expected to replace question period and debates.

Statements are a problem because people don’t write the way they talk. They can come across as confusing, argumentative, condescending and more. Often, I don’t use them because they don’t add anything to a story.

In an interview, a person can supply an immediate correction or clarification when they misspeak. A statement just leads to more questions.

Conversation leads to greater understanding as questions are asked and answered, technicalities clarified and numbers confirmed. It shows the person is taking a matter seriously, that a company is transparent, that an organization is run by real people.

So why are media statements so popular?

Largely it’s about controlling the narrative and providing “accurate” information from the issuer’s point of view.

That can backfire by escalating a situation rather than resolving it.

A statement issued during an emergency or crisis makes sense. Otherwise, politicians, government departments, companies and organizations should always have someone ready to talk.

In this day of smaller media outlets and constant deadlines, it’s true that we often make do with a statement. But it shouldn’t be the go-to.