Why don't people like to call reporters back?

For all the years I'd done sports and news, I never had a real problem... until now. Have been freelancing medical stories for a local magazine, and if you think coaches are tough to get on a phone, try nailing down doctors. You'd think they that would LOVE to be cited as experts in various fields, but it's like getting cats to march in a parade.

I go through the hospitals' PR folks, they pass along the request and tell the doc exactly what I'm working on, and even set me up with the easiest way to get in touch with the docs. Then, after trying to coordinate with various assistants and other underlings, it's still a bitch to actually get the doc on the phone with 15 minutes open to talk. Universally, once I do talk to them they're pretty helpful and even tell me if I run into anything we missed to call them back, but getting them on the phone that first time is a gold-plated ballbuster.

 

I expect it's bigger than a small grab, FWIW.

 

Just say: "I know things. And I have pictures. You'll want to call me back."

Hey, it's not untrue. You are working for a newspaper after all.

 

Huntside...yes, i use that same method in, if not hearing back from then, give them a call back and express my concern about maybe missing their call. has worked practically every time.