There are a number of things to remember when hosting lunches, particularly where payment is concerned.

If you're taking a print reporter to lunch, even if it's at your invitation, always ask how the reporter would like to handle the check. It's usually best if you ask for separate checks and pay your own way. Most reporters hate the media lunch, which combines lunch with a news conference. That's because in addition to ho-hum food, they're usually fed the same story that everyone else gets. Not only that, but many organizations waste the media's time with lunches to announce news that isn't very newsworthy.

Here's another alternative. If you want to meet with reporters and invite them to lunch to pitch a story idea, provide background information or get to know them, ask if they would rather meet in a setting that doesn't involve eating. Some reporters don't like the hassle of having to take notes and flip through items in your media kit at the same time they are trying to juggle a double-decker sandwich with the works.

For more information on paying for lunches and dinners, see see Special Report #43, "The Do's and Don'ts of Offering Food to the Media"