COVER STORY PRESSES When Reporters Call, What Are You Going to Say? they are facing with increasing frequency — dealing with the media. Budget crises, foreclosure actions, conflicts between smokers and nonsmokers, complaints about heavyhanded or discriminatory enforcement of association rules — these are just some of the issues that can attract the attention of reporters, generating newspaper and television coverage that is sometimes unflattering and often unwelcome for the community. ommunity association board members have many responsibilities — from managing association finances and enforcing rules to negotiating contracts and mediating disputes between warring neighbors. Business experience and volunteer positions with other organizations may prepare some association volunteers for at least some of these tasks. But few board members have any preparation at all for one challenge STOPthe C 28 While board members aren’t likely to be accosted by the camera crew from “60 Minutes,” they may well be confronted by reporters for a local newspaper or a television news channel asking about rumors of financial problems in the community or seeking comment on a lawsuit filed against the association. How would you respond to those inquiries? “Duck and cover” is not the right answer — at least, not in most CONDO MEDIA • JANUARY 2011