Have you ever contacted the Media?

Started by SharonB6 • 7 replies • 1906 views

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SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

I live in a development where there is a Master Association and many subassociations. I am a board member on a subassociation, which is the only one to be turn over to the homeowners. Our builder went bankrupt last year and is attempting to come back. Anyway a group of us formed a group to be advocates for the Homeowners Interests during this process. We feel, and have evidence, that the Master Association was run irresponsibly and now can be considered bankrupt. Obviously there is a huge story behind this, but we decided to contact the media for help because we were tired of getting pushed around and threatened by the builder. Our local news was emailed on Sunday night and we got a call early Monday Morning. We were unprepared for such a response. Our homework is done and we are prepared to talk. However, we have a very specific agenda we want to stick to and I am not sure the reporter wants to take the same angle. It's important to that we stay focus so we don't cause more harm than good..

Does anybody have any advice?

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

If you want media attention there is always the chance that the media will take a different angle then you expect. This is simply because the reporter knows what they need to do to get the article published or story televised. You can try issuing everything in writing but some media outlets won't bother with those.

I would suggest that you keep a copy of everything you give the reporter. Summarize any phone conversations with a followup email. You may even want to tape record an interview if the reporter is recording it. This creates what the broadcast industry calls an alibi file. Basically, documentation to rebut anything taken out of context, etc.

I would suggest that you have the talk with the reporter and specify what you are looking for. Most reporters will try to work with you.

Tim

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Generally, the board appoints ONE person to talk to the media.

I suggest you do the same.

Make sure the interviewing media is doing the right "story" about your concerns.

Refuse to talk to the media if they put another "spin" on the story.

SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

Well we did it! I think it went well. I think the reporter glossed over things, but hopefully he stays within the scope.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Good. Let us know if it's published and where we can read it.

Tim

SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

SOB!!!!
NBC totally got the story wrong. We have stacks upon stacks of evidence against the builder and NBC glossed over all of it. Plus he aired crap that wasn't even true.
We have evidence that the builder stole money from our Master Association soon before they went bankrupt. Their response was that the bankruptcy court writes the checks which is a total lie! What kills me is that NBC never ever looked into despite my request before they aired it! AHHH

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Homeowners_Battle_Bankrupt_Builder_Philadelphia-109050454.html

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Sharon,

Not knowing all the details, I have to say it looked like a fair and balanced story. They mentioned the facts. They mentioned the check issue identifying that the builder allegedly wrote it to themselves and the provided an opportunity for the other side to respond.

I expect that the story should get you public support. When you have your next annual meeting, ask the reporter to show up with you.

Tim

SharonB6 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 70

Posted:

Well there a lot of very important information he left out but that is to be expected. What annoyed me is that he never gave us a chance to respond to the builder. I even contacted him during the day to make sure we had a chance. He said he was too busy on another story. The devil is in the details here because the builder gave the impression that the bankruptcy court handles the HOA funds which is a completele lie, the check happened before bankruptcy.

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