These guidelines from the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center assist victims and survivors of a mass violence incident (MVI) in advance preparation for and maintenance of control and personal autonomy during news media interviews.
Establishing goals for the interview is the most important part of preparation. This involves determining what you want the audience for the interview to know about your experience. It is also helpful to learn about how the news media operate in preparing the reporting of an interview, particularly whether the victim will have the opportunity to review an edited version of the interview. Editing can ensure a story is accurate, clear, understandable, and objective. A figure shows the hierarchy of broadcast media and the hierarchy of print media. Guidelines for identifying and addressing the logistics of the interview include learning about the person who will conduct the interview, deciding whether you want a support person with you during the interview, determining in advance the logistics of the interview, deciding whether to set or negotiate rules for the interview, rehearsing in advance of the interview, and whether to make a personal recording of the interview.