Professional Writing

MEDIA RELATIONS POLICY: AT&T MOBILITY

Policy Statement:

The only policy to manage the publicity of AT&T is accuracy by honesty. That whatever is said or told, no matter if in a positive or negative light, it be true and correct. In cases where falsehoods are spoken, make it our immediate priority to correct them. We are confident that AT&T’s focus to be a transparent company will not be in vain. In turn, our company will be known for credibility and respect with the media and our publics. It is important to remember that in the end, telling the truth, telling it all, and telling it fast cannot hurt us anymore than the concealment of information. Honesty is still and always will be the best policy.

Role of Media Director:

AT&T has a handful of media spokespeople, all in which belong to a particular department of our infrastructure. Each departmental spokesperson is responsible for information relayed to the media and our publics. They are to follow our overall policy statement and display the professionalism that AT&T represents. Please refer any media inquiries to the correct department:

Corporate Issues
Michael Coe
E-Mail: mcoe@attnews.us

Financial Issues
McCall Butler
E-Mail: mbutler@attnews.us

Federal Regulatory/Legislative
Mike Balmoris
E-Mail: michael.balmoris@att.com

State
Regulatory/Legislative
Sarah Harsh
E-Mail: Sarah.harsh@att.com

Corporate Citizenship
Vanessa Astros
E-Mail: vastros@attnews.us

Amanda Ray
E-Mail: aray@attnews.us

Human Resource Inquiries
Walt Sharp
E-Mail: walt.sharp@att.com

National Broadcast Media
Susan Bean
E-Mail: sbean@attnews.us

Trade Shows
Stephen Phillips
E-Mail: sphillips@attnews.us

Trade Media
Jenny Bridges
E-Mail: jbridges@attnews.us

Industry Analysts 

Regional Information
Andy Shaw
E-Mail: ashaw@attnews.us

Tips for Journalist Procedure:

AT&T’s media relations team is here to help reporters and editors with any inquiries about our company. It is important to note that AT&T media spokespersons do not have access to customer records and are unable to respond to any personal consumer account inquiries.  For a full list of email addresses to each media spokesperson, please refer to our website under the link Media Inquiries Contacts. Letters to AT&T can be mailed to:

AT&T Inc.
Corporate Communications
208 S. Akard St.
Dallas, TX 75202. 

Employee Guidelines When Approached By Media:

Only discuss with reporters what is in your area of expertise. Never speculate. If compelled to comment, make sure all comments are truthful and accurate; preferably on topics that are already of public knowledge. If unprepared, tell the reporter you will call back promptly within 15 minutes to collect your thoughts and a plan of action. When asked questions about company policy or politics, please refer media to appropriate direct contacts. Always bear in mind that when speaking to a reporter you are speaking to the public. Do not make any statements you do not want to see published the next day. Respect the reporter’s deadlines and respond promptly. Always be courteous to our friends in the media as their impression of anyone in our company can and will reflect their impression of our company as a whole.

Organizational Information Not Releasable to Media:

In cases where pending lawsuits are in question, it is important to know that we have attorneys that advise our leaders of our rights and how we are protected under law. This is the only case in which we cannot disclose information to our publics unless otherwise approved by our legal department. The appropriate way to answer media inquiries pertaining legal issues is to simply restate any publicly disclosed statement already made or by stating that you are currently not available to speak on that matter until thorough consultation with our legal department.

Proper Use and Types of Media Tools:

There are several tools we as AT&T use to connect with our internal and external audiences. The most common internal tool we use is the Media Newsroom. Through the Media Newsroom we communicate with our employees all the latest press releases or articles made by AT&T. All employees have access to the Newsroom and so do our customers via our website. All articles written in Newsroom come from corporate in our Dallas, TX headquarters. This is the best resource employees have to keep up to date with public information. All departmental PR officers manage the site; any approval of articles goes through this department.

The second media tool used is our Editorial Board. Our editorial team is to meet everyday at designated times to discuss and set the agenda on current company messages.  The most important point to make is to insure that the message is consistent throughout all chains of communication along with accuracy.

Inquiries Pertaining Apple’s iphone:

Any inquiries relating to Apple as a company, our contract with Apple, or upcoming iphone models, please refer to Apple’s PR department.

Apple Public Relations
(408) 974-2042

Media Office and Press Room Equipment:

As follows, the following equipment should be found in media relations office and press room at any given time:

·         Audio visual equipment ie: cameras, speakers, microphones

·         Podium

·         Raised platform for speakers

·         Designated press parking

·         Computers

·         Wi-fi connection

·         Several dozen padded folding chairs

·         Ensure room has AT LEAST 2 entrances

·         Appropriate heating and cooling for comfortable room temperature

·         Phone lines with long distance and international capabilities

·          Appropriate lighting

Media Office Library:

The following items are to be found in the media relations library at all times:

·         Media directory of local and national outlets

·         Internal directory of all management and staff

·         Press kit

·         Organizational history sheets

·         Fact sheet

·         Calendar of events

·         Stock background

·         Annual Earnings Statements

·         “B” Roll

·         Dictionary / Thesaurus / APA Style Manual

 /  Notes