The realities of today’s new media-generated clutter and confusion suggests that new rules may be necessary for presidential prime-time TV addresses:
NEW RULES. 1. Must be a legitimate crises. 2. May not have a political motive. 3. May not include a donation request before, during, or after the presentation. If necessary, a group of television network executives can be formed to make a collective go or no-go decision.
NEWS PRODUCERS. Whenever necessary, use digital technology to put facts in real-time on the screen during the presentation. Existing “chyron” equipment and practice should make this possible. As one colleague put it, “it’s not rocket science.”
NEWS ANCHORS. Whenever possible, be prepared to list actual facts in the same order false claims were made during the presentation. A chart helps. Have experts ready to interview.
FIELD REPORTERS. End the time-honored practice of shouting questions at news makers. On television, this makes journalists look unprofessional, and often downright silly. Rather, ask no questions, and then go release the facts. Graphics listing facts next to claims can work well on TV and in print.
LEADERS OF THE OPPOSITION. Avoid reporting meeting behavior as your statement to the press. Rather simply list the facts that disprove false claims. When possible, do this with graphics on a handout.
The Declaration of Independence referenced in my last post makes it clear that monarchical behavior and rule must never be allowed.
It’s precisely what we declared our independence from…
Larry D. Lauer 
I was particularly take by your suggestions for field reporters. The cacophony of shouted questions makes the press sound like hungry baby birds. Trump loves the clammer and he is able cherry- pick the questions.
Larry, this is excellent. Well explained. I hope you can coach all your media contacts to follow these rules.
I agree that shouting questions to the President looks silly and should be done away with.
Connie
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