Quick interview lends insight for good media interviews

Chefs and restaurateurs are commonplace on television these days. With the popularity of dining out in America, the opportunity for restaurant professionals to promote their business, a charity or event will only increase in the coming years.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association conducted a brief interview with John Snell in the hallway of his television station Fox 8 in New Orleans. Snell shared with me some useful tips on being a good interviewee.

John Snell is an achor, reporter and photographer.
We caught up with him during our recent interview
when he shared insight on nailing a
media interview.

LRA: What is the most important aspect of a media interview?

JS: Sound bites. Keep in mind reporters are listening for that perfect sound bite. If the story is 30 seconds in length, you might be one of three sources used. Short, simple sentences are key. Of a 10 minute interview may end up being as short as 10 seconds. It’s just the nature of the business.

LRA: Share the one thing you wish sources did more in advance?

JS: Send your press release, logo, headshot or photograph ahead of the interview via e-mail. This affords time for the producers to add graphics if you are in studio for an interview, which furthers your message.

LRA: A final thought you’d like to share with our members?

JS: Don’t forget your wrap up. If you are promoting an event, you’ll often have an opportunity to close out with all the details—name of the event, date, time, location, food and entertainment. Clearly enunciate your words as this may be when someone watching may be jotting down the info. 

Should the chance to do a media interview come up and you need help preparing, certainly give Wendy Waren or Erica Papillion in the LRA Communications Dept. a call.

Experienced in giving media interviews? What do you recommend?

Currently with New Orleans’ Fox 8, John Snell has been an anchor, reporter and photographer for more than 25 years. He has specialized in political and environmental reporting, especially the vanishing Louisiana coastline. During that time, he’s reported on virtually every major story in Southeastern Louisiana, including the 1984 World’s Fair, the collapse of the oil industry, the fall of Edwin Edwards and the 2005 hurricanes and their aftermath.