Today’s guest post is by Elissa Freeman.

Dealing with difficult reporters is a necessary evil if you’re a PR pro.

But does it really have to be?

During my career I’ve developed an approach to dealing with reporters who are inherently difficult.

Sure, I’ve harboured delicious thoughts of telling a choice few just what I think of them; and these are great conversations – inside my head.

If an entity as powerful as the U.S. state department can lose the war of words with an ornery reporter, then so will you.

As someone once told me, “There’s no use fighting against an organization that buys ink by the barrel.”

Here, then, is my secret recipe for dealing with tough reporters. (more…)