The Atlanta Braves, Spring Training baseball in John Prince Park, TV news, and. . . “How To Handle The Hostile Reporter”.

Please note: Below are two (2) instructional videos.

With the Atlanta Braves back in the news (use this link for the article by Post reporter Joe Capozzi) it’s only a matter of time before some in the local TV news media come trolling in the City of Lake Worth for complaints and ‘concerns’ about John Prince Park: that park by the way, is outside the City, operated and maintained by the County.

If you’ve been following this blog over the years you know CBS12/WPEC is legendary for their hostile news reporting in Lake Worth; however, recently they’ve been getting better with a few hiccups along the way. To a lesser degree ABC25/WPBF has done their negative handiwork as well. With the elections coming up in March and now the Atlanta Braves back in the news!. . . this could push any reporter of the hostile variety over the edge.

So. . . how should you respond when a reporter asks you leading questions like, “Aren’t you concerned that Spring Training baseball in John Prince Park will negatively affect your quality of life? Threaten more Gopher Tortoises and create more noise and light pollution?”.

First pause! Never respond quickly. Take your time and think it out for a moment. Then. . .

• “Rephrase the question”
• “Give to Get”

This short video explains how these techniques work: Don’t let the media “spin”, or propagandize, what’s happening in and around our little City. 

• Rephrase the question: “The Lake Worth Corridor has been an issue for decades, the County trying to find some way to improve many neighborhoods between the cities of Lake Worth and Greenacres, Palm Springs needs help too. Have you seen the neglect and poverty within just a few miles of John Prince Park? Spring training baseball would be a game-changer. In fact, the City of Lake Worth is moving ahead with the Park of Commerce to help that struggling area. Would you like to go and see this for yourself? I can give you directions?”
• Give to Get: Give information to Get positive media coverage. “The public in Lake Worth is excited the bond referendum passed last November to fix our roads and potholes. But did you know a similar referendum failed in 2014 by just 25 votes? Those critics of the 2014 bond also opposed the referendum in 2016 as well. [then raise your voice for emphasis] And get this! This is the same group that’s against baseball in John Prince Park. Have you thought of asking why those people always try to stifle progress?”

Try this technique the next time a reporter approaches you for a comment. Take a deep breath, pause, and remember what to do:

Rephrase the question and then “Give to Get”.

Below is a good example of what to look for and anticipate. A news crew showed up at Lake Worth City Hall last year during discussion about moving forward with the referendum to fix the roads and potholes, a problem the public had demanded be addressed. However, despite all the efforts by Commissioner Chris McVoy, PhD, to put a negative “spin” on the referendum, he failed. The November referendum passed overwhelmingly. The positive message won the day.

And get this: McVoy opposes the Atlanta Braves opening a spring training facility in John Prince Park too. Shouldn’t the media be asking him why he opposes everything that will improve our local economy and promote the City of Lake Worth as well?