Misspelled names. Wrong facts. Inaccurate quotes. Don't let it happen to you.

Will they misspell my name?
You interview with a reporter by phone or in person and want to be sure your name is spelled correctly.
Damage control: Reporters usually double-check this. If they don't, remind them. Spell out your name phonetically-S as in Sam, T as in Thomas.Also, give the reporter your business card, a media kit, or printed materials that include your name-anything the reporter can refer to later.
Will the facts be accurate?
You interview with a reporter and want to make sure the facts of the story are accurate.
Damage control: Do not ask the reporter if you can read the story before it is printed. No reputable publication will agree to that. Instead, ask the reporter to "fact check" the story after it is written but before it is printed. The reporter simply calls you on the telephone and checks pertinent facts in the story. Some-but not all-reporters will agree to this because it gives them a chance to correct errors before they occur. It also helps them avoid having to print a correction the day after the story appears. Provide a media kit that includes a fact sheet with the most important facts about your organization.
Will the reporter misquote me?
Will I be quoted out of context? Or will the reporter quote me in such a way so that I sound uninformed or stupid, or will the quote be so garbled that it's just plain wrong? This is every news source's greatest fear.
Damage control: During the interview, talk slowly and in short sentences so the reporter can record your quotes accurately. Ask the reporter to repeat the quote back to you word for word. If there is time, ask the reporter to call you and read back your quotes after the story is edited but before it is printed. Some-but not all-reporters will agree to do this. Understand, however, that if you don't like the sound of what you actually said, or you regret having said it, you don't have the right to change it.
If you want to learn more tips, or for more information, on and about how to ensure the media doesn't mess up your story, see Special Report #1 "Damage Control: How to Keep the Media from Making a Mess of Your Story."