How to Prepare for a Media Interview: 7 Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes

Before I worked in comms, I learned something quickly from my time in media: the best interviews aren’t about being quick on your feet — they’re about being prepared.

When a journalist or producer calls, it can be tempting to say “yes” on the spot. But taking a moment to ask the right questions will help you feel confident, stay on message, and avoid the “I wish I’d said…” regret afterwards.

If you want to strengthen your interview skills, my media training sessions are designed to get you ready.

Here’s how to prepare for a media interview by asking seven essential questions every time:

1. Who will be doing the interview?

Understanding the journalist’s style and angle helps you prepare the right tone, examples, and level of detail. I like to listen to or read their previous work, especially if they’ve interviewed a competitor on a similar topic.

2. Will it be live or pre-recorded?

Live interviews require sharper, more concise answers, there’s no editing safety net. If the interview is technical, a pre-record can make your messaging is accurate.
From the journalist’s side, it’s also important to know you (the talent) feel comfortable and confident in the chosen format.

3. Where will the story be published?

Your audience, and the way you tell your story, will differ between TV, radio, print, and online.
For example, a local radio or podcast interview might run long-form, while TV news will be short and sharp.
Knowing where it’s going also helps you promote your story far and wide.

4. What type of questions will be asked?

You can’t control the exact wording, but you can prepare for the topics.
As a producer, I used to cringe when guests demanded the exact questions, instead, I’d give them the general line of questioning, with a reminder that I couldn’t control everything a presenter might ask.

5. Is there room for a follow-up?

This helps you manage expectations and prepare for future angles.
Depending on your subject, you might even offer to join future panel discussions or be a recurring commentator.

6. What platforms will this story appear on?

One interview might be repurposed across multiple channels, be ready for your words to travel further than you expect.
This can be great for publicity, but also means consistency in your message is key.
If it’s going on social media, ask for a courtesy email when it goes live so you can share it.

7. Will it be face-to-face or over the phone?

Location impacts your confidence, energy, and delivery. I’m a big advocate for face-to-face interviews because they help you connect with the journalist, read their cues, and build rapport.

Why This Matters

A few minutes of preparation can turn an interview from rushed and reactive to clear and compelling.

I understand producers can be busy — and sometimes pushy — but you are the talent. It’s okay to slow the process down just enough to ensure you’re informed, prepared, and ready to shine.

The next time the media calls, remember: you’re not just answering questions.
You’re protecting your message, your credibility, and your voice.

For more communication tips, explore my latest blog articles.