Pierce County's public perception is largely the result of what community leaders and other citizens read, hear and see in newspapers and on radio and television news. Pierce County wants to be known as an open, professional and responsive organization.
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For Point 1 to occur, calls from the news media for information should receive priority attention from all departments. If another priority prevents an immediate response, a courtesy call should be made to the reporter confirming what information is requested and advising when the requested information will be available. Reporters and editors who call are often working on deadline, and timely responses should be our norm.
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The most knowledgeable and informed county employee on a particular issue is the best person to respond. Any employee who speaks on behalf of the county to the news media is responsible for what is said.
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While any county employee may answer a question from a reporter, media questions beyond straightforward factual information should typically be reviewed with the employee's supervisor, department director and-or the Department of Communications. All employees shall also make every effort to respond directly to the Department of Communications when requested.
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County employees must inform their supervisor or department director whenever a reporter calls. The Department of Communications also must be notified after an interview has occurred.
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County employees should understand that their comments on public issues could be interpreted as county government's point of view.
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No employee shall be required to talk with the news media. Employees who are uncomfortable in this role should refer calls to their supervisor or department director or, if they are unavailable, the Department of Communications.
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All department news releases are to be reviewed by the Department of Communications before being submitted to the news media. Send draft news releases to Dick Ferguson and copy Ron Klein.
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