Beware the Risks of (Not) Talking to a Reporter
When a reporter calls you out of the blue, take the call and reschedule for a time when you are prepared to speak on the topic. The reporter is going to write the story, with or without you, so practice a script that grants you 30 minutes to prepare your remakrs and gather additional information.
Of course, you will follow up with the reporter, even if you have to dodge some questions because you don’t have enough information to respond in that moment. You probably may safely say that you are looking carefully at the situation’ (you are in touch with your attorney) and you will re-connect with the reporter as more details become available.
While this response may not be quotable, it tells the reporter you are attentive to their interest in the story and will remain accessbile for future comment.