For the record about “off the record”
For the record, going off the record in any interview is a risky proposition. It is one of the most misunderstood concepts in media relations. Let’s explore it from several angles:
- Off the record is a request more than a binding agreement. Any executive who goes off the record is simply trusting that the reporter will not use the information provided. Most reporters will honor this request because of journalism ethics and to maintain a relationship with the executive. However, they are under no obligation to do so.
- Off the record must be a mutual agreement. The executive cannot deem a portion of the interview to be off the record without the reporter’s agreement. Without the reporter’s agreement, the entire interview is still on the record.
- Off the record is not retroactive. Executives who are unfamiliar with the process sometimes provide information and then say to the reporter, “By the way, that’s off the record.” Unfortunately, it’s not. Off the record starts with the mutual agreement and extends until such time as the executive and the reporter agree to go back on the record.
The litmus test for off the record is the level of trust between the executive and the reporter. Absent that trust, it’s best to stay on the record and out of trouble.
Related posts: