Media Guidelines

The guidelines listed below are designed to support transparency, accuracy and consistency when interacting with local media about the College.

Media Inquiries

All official college responses to the media should come from the Office of Marketing and Communications at PHSC. Faculty and staff should refer media inquiries about collegewide matters to the Marketing Department.

Individuals with expertise in a particular field who wish to be added to our subject matter expert list are encouraged to contact us at 727-816-3738.

Interviews

In preparation for interviews with media representatives, it is crucial to not share confidential information, student-specific or legally protected information. It is never okay to disclose personal student records or medical information, as doing so would violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

Interacting with the Media

If a media representative contacts you to arrange an interview, consider these tips below for interacting with the media.

Do's

• Do—reach out for assistance by contacting the Office of Marketing and Communications.
• Do—prepare your key talking points and relevant background information prior to the interview.
• Do—keep it simple and speak in layman’s terms. 
• Do—present yourself professionally.
• Do—keep it conversational and convey your message with authority and confidence.

Don'ts

• Don't—share confidential information
• Don't—over-communicate
• Don't—give your personal opinion
• Don't—speculate
• Don't—fill space with jargon

For questions or more information on how to interact with the media, please do not hesitate to contact us at marketing@phsc.edu.

Crisis Communication

Official communications will be released through the Office of Marketing and Communications in emergencies and urgent situations.

Press Release

All press releases representing the College must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications.