BTS ARMY— Media Tips To Keep in Mind
In 2020, we saw the rise of more media outlets contacting ARMYs in a variety of ways. Even more so, in the last couple of years as BTS’ trajectory has expanded worldwide, the fandom has grown.
That means that as BTS ARMY, we all need to help everyone by providing them with useful resources to bring forth a safe and healthy fandom community.
ARMY is the face of BTS
BTS’ road to success wasn’t made overnight. If you’ve encountered ARMYs who joined the fandom in its early years, many of them had to overcome countless media play scenarios, unjust accusations of the use of ‘Payola,’ and the boys encountering claims of plagiarism.
Even in the midst of misrepresentation of both ARMY and BTS in the media, ARMY is the face of BTS. Therefore, it’s important for fans to keep in mind some of these tips for interacting with the media.
Talking with the Media
Talking or being approached by the media can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience.
If the media approach you or you choose to become interviewed, keep in mind the following general tips.
What to do if the media approach you
If a member of the media contacts you, first obtain the reporter’s name, the media organization, and, if available, the anticipated time of the release of the piece in print, broadcast, or online.
When the media/interviewer calls, you must decide whether you will grant the interview. To help you decide, here are some questions to ask:
- What is the subject of the interview?
- Ask the reporter about the general story angle in advance so that you can gather information, collect your thoughts and be better prepared.
- Are you the appropriate person to answer questions about the topic?
- Who is the reporter, and where does he/she work?
- What will be the format of the interview? Live? A pre-recorded video/podcast? Telephone?
- Is it a feature story or a news story?
- Where will the interview be conducted, and how long will the interview be?
- Try to find out who else the media will be interviewing.
- What is the reporter’s deadline?
How to prepare for a media interview
- Consider preparing a recording device for the interview (only if you are allowed to by your state/country, please research your local & national press laws. — in the U.S., some states allow recording if one party agrees and others require all parties interviewed to agree, also known as ‘two-party consent’)
- Stick to what you know, talk about subjects that fit into the area of your expertise. You can always decline to answer questions you aren’t knowledgeable about.
- Do plenty of preparation, work out what you want to talk about, and what you do not want to speak about.
- Write down the questions (easy and difficult) you expect — and would like — to be asked.
- Think of the one or two main points or responses that you want to get across before entering the interview, and have relevant facts at your fingertips.
- Avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical language. Use language that is simple and direct. Be brief.
- Long answers do not get used, and often distract from the point you want to make. If you do not want something to get lost in translation, keep your responses so simple and straightforward that translation is unnecessary.
- Remember that even if the interview takes on a casual, informal tone, what you say or email them may be included in the story.
- If at any point during your media interview preparation you feel that you are uncomfortable speaking to the media, let them know.
During the interview
- You are not obliged to answer questions that don’t pertain to the initially given pitch/theme.
- Stick to what you know, talk about subjects that fit into the area of your expertise.
- Record your interview (only if you are allowed to by your state/country)
- Remember that even if the interview takes on a casual, informal tone, what you say may be included in the story.
- Have relevant facts or figures at your fingertips if you intend to use them.
- While reporters are set to do background research, do not assume this if you can, offer to send the information.
When interviewed, there is no guarantee that the journalist will use it. We hope that these tips are helpful.
Resources:
BTS and ARMY Starters Guide
Society of Professional Journalists
SPJ Code of Ethics
“The SPJ Code of Ethics is a statement of abiding principles supported by additional explanations and position papers that address changing journalistic practices. It is not a set of rules, rather a guide that encourages all who engage in journalism to take responsibility for the information they provide, regardless of medium. The code should be read as a whole; individual principles should not be taken out of context. It is not, nor can it be under the First Amendment, legally enforceable.”
** Newer information will be added accordingly.**
Bangtan Scholars is a place for current and aspiring scholars of BTS to connect, inspire, and grow together. It’s our hope to create a collaborative, inclusive network that empowers those engaging or interested in BTS scholarship to promote each other’s work, exchange ideas, and expand knowledge across different disciplines and around the world.
Twitter: @BangtanScholars.
Website: bangtanscholars.com
