All educational organizations should issue an authorized media policy.

The policy should detail the boundaries the organization's employees should respect when they deal with the press, the public or other media. The policy is variously described as a media relations policy, an information policy or a communications policy.

At Media-policy.org we provide basic online guidance for anyone tasked with putting together a new media policy or modifying an existing policy.

Samples of typical policies are provided below.

It's important that, in addition to having a policy that all employees or members of the organization adhere to, a person should be nominated who has prime responsibility for media liaison. That person should be trained in how to handle the press.

When representatives of the press make contact, often they are pursuing a story where they have preconceived ideas and have already decided to place a certain "spin" on events. The preconceived "spin" may be to the detriment of your organization. Most politicians have been trained to deal with hostile, leading questions in a manner that lessens controversy. Although it can be frustrating to listen to politicians in interview situations, they are usually masters of not providing a quote that the press can use in a damaging headline. Your organization should have a media contact able to deal with media questions clearly, honestly, with good humor and the ability to answer questions to best represent your interests.

Macquarie University (pdf)
University staff have many allegiances: to their discipline or profession, to the University, and to the community at large. These allegiances are not always in harmony. A staff member must weigh the importance of these allegiances in each particular set of circumstances. Members of staff should refrain from representing themselves as spokespersons for the University unless authorised to do so. Where public comments are offered by staff as members of Macquarie University, it is expected that the comments will relate directly to their individual expertise and the specialised area of their appointment. In that case, staff members may use the University’s name and give the title of their University appointment in order to establish their credentials.

Montana State University
The director of Communications and Public Affairs serves as the official university spokesperson and conveys the official university position on issues of general university-wide impact or significance or situations that are of a particularly controversial or sensitive nature. Inquiries from the media about such issues should be referred to the director of Communications and Public Affairs. Since positive media solicitation is an integral element of the university's communications program, any ideas for articles or pieces that would positively portray the university, its work or its community should also be directed to the appropriate media specialist. In a similar manner Communications and Public Affairs should be notified about negative occurrences that are likely to rise to the level of a news story.

University of Waikato
Both academic and general staff may only make statements to the media on matters related to the University if they have been given explicit authority to do so by the PR&M Office or by the Vice Chancellor. Academic staff are encouraged to interact with the media over matters relating to their areas of academic expertise and do not need to seek approval to do so. Media are more inclined to write a story that best reflects the University's position if they get a response within a reasonable time. That way the journalist concerned has more time to incorporate your views into an article. If they get your response at the last minute they may only have time and space to include a small bit of what you say. However, don't be pressured into hasty responses.

Brock University
The Office of University Communications will co-ordinate media relations activities for the University and act as the official news source and the principal contact for all communication between the University and media representatives. Only individuals specifically authorized to do so will publicly speak on behalf of the University. The Office of University Communications must be notified of all potentially sensitive, contentious or controversial media inquiries with respect to Brock University activities.

University of Western Sydney
The University of Western Sydney encourages open and fair treatment of all perceived areas of concern, and it respects the rights of individuals to seek redress or remedy in accordance with the relevant legislation. In fact the University welcomes "whistleblowers", and there are appropriate mechanisms within the University and government to meet the needs of staff who have major issues. Recourse to the popular media is a last resort, and whilst UWS respects the rights of people to take that action, it requests staff and students to seek other remedies first. All media liaison will be handled through the Media Unit, Office of Media and Communication. The Media Unit is available to assist with media liaison, and will be responsible for the writing and distribution of all press releases. Staff who have media contact which has not been initiated by the Media Unit, are required to advise the Media Unit of the details. Staff who become aware of issues or potential issues that could become adverse media outcomes for the University, should contact the Media Unit. Please note that it is better to have a plan and have nothing happen, than have no plan and have negative public relations.

Loyola University New Orleans
The Director of Public Affairs within the Division of Institutional Advancement is responsible for all media relations for Loyola University New Orleans. This includes disseminating all press releases and handling all press inquiries. The Director of Public Affairs is the official university spokesperson during a crisis situation and in all matters concerning university policy, procedures, students, and employees. Employees contacted by any media representation should direct these calls and inquiries in a timely fashion to the Office of Public Affairs. Individuals contacted for comments, opinions, or as experts in their fields of study are encouraged to respond, at their own discretion, to questions relating to their areas of expertise. As a courtesy, they should notify the Director of Public Affairs that a media representative has contacted them.

Texas Woman's University
The Office of Marketing and Communication is responsible for all university-based interactions with the media, including: Issuing all official university news releases, responding to or coordinating the response to inquiries from reporters issuing of all official university statements to the media, scheduling all official university news conferences and coordinating and implementing the communications response to a crisis. The Office of Marketing and Communication should be notified of a crisis or any potential crisis immediately. A crisis is defined as any emergency or controversy that could negatively affect the public perception or reputation of the university. Emergencies include fires, accidents, explosion, tornadoes and other weather-related incidents and natural disasters. Controversies include: crimes against students, faculty or staff; suicides; student demonstrations; inappropriate conduct by faculty, staff or students; academic freedom issues; fiscal irregularities; and personnel issues.