Respect the Press, says Fleisher

"Think like a reporter, ask the right questions and get the facts right," was White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer's advice to PRSA's National Capital Chapter at its 33rd Annual Thoth Awards dinner on June 7. A robust press keeps this nation strong, which is why it deserves respect from PR people, he told the more than 150 people at the Mayflower Hotel. He urged PR pros to be as helpful as possible to requests from the media. 'The public has a right to know what the government is doing.' Other advice for PR pros: "be substantive," "ask what are the facts and what is the truth," "do your homework," and "don't talk to the press until you're ready." He said PR people must, "be patient with reporters as they like to ask the same questions over and over."