What to Confirm Before Your Media Interview
Set Yourself Up for a Strong Interview
If you’ve ever tried to prepare for an interview without knowing the format, questions, or audience, you’re not alone. But going in blind makes it harder to deliver your message with clarity and confidence.
Before you start practicing, make sure you’ve confirmed the key details — like whether the interview is live or recorded, its duration, and audience. These basics make a huge difference in how you shape your message and deliver it effectively.
Here’s a quick list of what to ask the producer or reporter:
Date and time
Interview length (90 seconds? 15 minutes?)
Format: live or recorded
Platform: in-person, phone, Zoom, etc.
Audience: general public, local viewers, or industry professionals?
Topics or questions they’d like to cover
Whether you can share a call-to-action (like a website or promo code)
Any background or tone considerations that would help you prep
🎁 Need a hand? Download my free checklist and sample confirmation email, which you can personalize in just two minutes.
Why it matters
Even if you’ve done interviews before, every outlet and format is different. Knowing what to expect helps you:
Tailor your talking points
Manage time wisely
Stay focused under pressure
You’ll also avoid surprises that could throw you off your game.
One more tip: The interview starts long before the camera rolls. A quick confirmation email gives you the clarity you need and shows the reporter you’re professional and easy to work with.
🎁 Free download: What to confirm before a media interview
📆 Want help getting ready? Book a 30-minute interview prep session
Coming up next: How to Prep for a Media Interview: The "Rule of Three"