Primer on Speaking to Reporters
No more excuses, it's time to break the silence
I have written before about the need to speak out, especially for white women, about myriad abuses in the natural foods industry. In re-reading that article it seems more relevant now then ever.
Yet, I continue to get private messages from white women who have specific knowledge they want to share with me. But when I suggest going public, they run away. While I understand there can be legitimate reasons for fearing repercussions, we still have a responsibility to speak up.
I often hear of fears related to talking to reporters, which is understandable. However, there are several ways to speak to reporters, so I want to offer a few tips and definitions to get you more comfortable with this path.
There are at least four separate ways to speak with reporters:
On the record: This is the most common, where everything you say to a reporter is fair game for them to use, either by quoting you or not. Unless there is any other agreement up front, you should assume that the minute you start talking, they can use anything you say.
Anonymous source: This is where a reporter can quote (and generally use) what you have told them but they won’t use your name. You might see reporters use phrases such as “from an anonymous source”. Several recent exposes about biotech meat companies have relied on anonymous sources.
On background: This is a safer option, where the reporter may use whatever you share, but may not quote or attribute the information to you directly.
For both anonymous and on background, good reporters from legit outlets will verify whatever you tell them so you won’t be the only source of the information. However if you are worried you have specialized knowledge that could easily be traced back to you, these options can still be risky.
Off the record: This is a good first step when you want to informally speak with a reporter but do not want them to use anything you are telling them. It can be a good way to test the waters and see if they want to pursue the story. You can also suggest other sources who may be willing to speak more freely.
One common misperception is that reporters cannot be trusted to maintain these boundaries. In my experience, from speaking with countless reporters over the years, this is simply not true. Your relationship with a reporter is a two-way street: if they break the trust you put in them, you will never be a source for them again. That doesn’t mean that some reporters won’t break the rules, but it’s rare.
It’s also important to remember that some employers make workers sign a legal agreement saying you won’t speak to media or say anything “disparaging” about the company. If that is the case for you, please consult an attorney first.
As I wrote last year, white women especially need to speak up, and not just about sexism and other forms of discrimination, but also about the BS that is still running rampant at “food tech” companies such as Eat Just, Upside Foods, and Perfect Day.
These companies are potentially engaging in fraud to investors and the public. This means that many employees are likely suffering from “moral injury”, which is the disconnect that occurs when your ethics collide with your employer’s actions.
The sooner these companies stop engaging in abuse, the better.
So what’s stopping you from speaking out? If you need assistance, contact me.