In their own self-interest, all government organizations should prepare and enact an official media policy.

The policy should describe in detail the limits on how the organization's employees should interact with the media. The policy can sometimes be referred to as a media relations policy, an information policy or a communications policy.

Media-policy.org provides basic online guidance for anyone engaged in the task of writing a first media policy or modifying an existing policy.

Samples of typical policies are provided below.

Having prepared a policy, someone in the organization should take, or be given, responsibilty for liaison with the media. Training in how to handle the media should be provided for the responsible person or persons.

When representatives of the press call, they may possibly have an agenda. The agenda may not be in the interests of your organization. Although it can be frustrating to listen to politicians in interview situations, most politicians have been trained to deal with hostile, leading questions in a manner that lessens controversy. Your organization should have a media contact able to deal with media questions clearly, honestly and with good humor.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
All employees are encouraged to talk with reporters about their areas of expertise. But, if you aren't comfortable talking with reporters, no one is going to make you. If you don't want to talk to the media, please refer them to the public affairs office or someone who is comfortable talking with the media. Don't ignore the media call. The media can help us get the word out about what we do for our state's families. We need to help them as much as possible.

European Investment Bank
Every member of the public has the right to request and receive information from the EIB. When considering a request for information, the Bank does not discriminate or give special privileged access to information. It applies equal treatment towards enquiries from the public, whether from individual citizens and legal persons or special interest groups.

Civil Air Patrol
The foundation of good media relations is the coordination, uniformity, accuracy and timeliness of the information released. Consequently, all requests for information from the media should be directed to the squadron, group, wing or region public affairs officer, CAP National Headquarters Public Affairs or the squadron, group, wing or region commander’s designee in the absence of a PAO. CAP National Headquarters Public Affairs provides assistance to all PAOs, as requested, in handling media relations.

City of Chula Vista
Inquiries from the news media are given a high priority by the City of Chula Vista and should be responded to as quickly and efficiently as possible. Every effort should be made to meet media deadlines and to ensure that all information released is accurate.

North Carolina Department for the Environment and Natural Resources
All department personnel are encouraged to talk with members of the news media concerning programs for which they are responsible or in which they have expertise. Personnel should use caution to relate only facts, not speculations, opinions or projections of future actions.

Department of Children and Families
It is the policy of the Department to respond to news media questions/inquiries effectively, accurately and on a timely basis to help promote public understanding of Department services, activities and issues. Effective communications with the news media shall be accomplished both responsively and pro-actively.

NASA
NASA, a scientific and technical agency, is committed to a culture of openness with the media and public that values the free exchange of ideas, data, and information as part of scientific and technical inquiry. Scientific and technical information from or about Agency programs and projects will be accurate and unfiltered.

South Lakeland District Council
It is not the intention of this policy to curb freedom of speech or to enforce strict rules and regulations. Rather, the intention is to establish a framework for achieving an effective working relationship with the media. The council welcomes the opportunity to talk to the media and, through them, to debate issues in the public arena.