When it is time to initiate contact with the media, follow these steps to help set the stage for a conversation.
Create a designated email address
To avoid mixing your whistleblowing communications with your personal messaging — or worse, your work messaging — create a unique email address to use exclusively for this process. Remember to avoid any references to your full name or your place of employment. It is a good idea to communicate using a secure channel, such as Signal or Protonmail. See Documentation.
Use a catchy subject line
Journalists may receive dozens of tips each day, so write a brief and direct subject line that will stand out in an inbox. Examples:
- Whistleblower tip regarding Google Ethics team
- Exclusive tip re: harassment at Amazon
- Scoop: Whistleblower info for [journalist name]
Keep the message brief
Include as little information as possible on first contact, but suggest a time to speak further in person or over the phone. Brevity sparks intrigue without revealing unsolicited information. Example:
Hi Jane — I have information to share exclusively with The Wall Street Journal regarding ongoing harassment occurring at Amazon’s warehouses. Would you have time to chat later this week so I can share more details?
Wait
It is important to be patient when anticipating a response from the media. Give the reporter at least one week before following up on your message. The reporter is likely to respond in one of these ways:
- suggest or confirm a time for an interview,
- ask for more information,
- refer you to another reporter who is more familiar with the subject, or
- decline coverage of your story.
Note: A journalist does not owe a source coverage, or even an opportunity to speak on a matter, until that journalist explicitly engages and expresses interest. Likewise, a whistleblower has the right to decline sharing more information before receiving confirmation that a journalist will work with them.
If a reporter or publication declines to cover your story, do not be discouraged. You can ask for feedback on why they decided to pass, if you are interested. Then refer back to your list of candidates and reach out one by one until you are offered an interview.
