Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22HANDLING THE MEDIA When the case does generate media interest, this can be a source of stress for the hostage and their family and there is much that organisations can do to offer support. If the returning hostage and their family decide they do not wish to comment in the media, you can help by shielding them from calls from journalists. Your media team can offer a very useful function to reduce the stress felt by the returning hostage and their family. Where the hostage wishes to comment or a policy of ‘no comment’ is not possible, consider drafting a joint media strategy with the individual and their family. This might involve a press release or press conference. Having your media team field press calls and enquiries will reduce the stress on the returning hostage and their family. Some former hostages choose to tell their story to the media. This is their decision. You can help them by offering the support of your media team. This will help individuals to avoid bad decisions or making statements they will later regret. By working together, you can also help the former hostage to understand your own position in relation to the media and how certain comments from them could be misunderstood. You should be honest about any concerns you might have from an organisational standpoint about your reputation or impact on other staff, for example. Consider providing media training and support them in their preparation for interviews. Many former hostages have found this useful and will appreciate your efforts to support them in their decision to speak to the media rather than turning away and leaving them to do this alone. Further advice about handling the media and social media can be found in the Hostage UK guide: Handling The Media And Social Media. MANY HOSTAGES RETURN HOME WITH LITTLE OR NO MEDIA ATTENTION 15