The media and major incidents

When there's been deaths related to a major incident, there may be some media interest. This page goes through what families can expect from the media following a major incident.

Often if there’s been deaths following a major incident, there may be some media interest.

This can be really difficult for families and friends. It can be tricky to avoid, and the publicity can be very upsetting. You may feel that the death is a public event, rather than something private.

You don’t have to deal with the media alone – there is help available.

Before the media contacts you

  • Prepare a short statement that could be released to the media. You might want to prepare a photo too. This may be painful to do, especially in the early days. However, it could be helpful in the long term.
  • Chat to family members and your friends. Let them know your wishes around talking to the media.
  • Decide on who is going to be the family point of contact for the media.
  • Put a simple note on your front door. This may help you avoid unwelcome press intrusion.

When the media contacts you

  • Ask for proof of identity, along with contact details for their publication. Write these down.
  • Ask them what they want. Remember, you can call them back when you’re ready to speak.
  • If you don’t feel confident, you don’t have to speak to them.
  • Don’t share details until you’re completely confident you know who they are and have an agreement on what you’ll talk about.
  • Don’t mention anyone else.
  • Try not to let them fluster you, even if they try to get you to answer their questions quickly.
  • Don’t let them push you, even if they say they have a deadline.
  • Try not to make political statements.
  • Don’t sign any media agreements without advice.
  • Avoid live interviews. If you do give a live interview, make sure you have the questions they are going to ask first. Allow time to prepare for them.
  • Ask to see the story before it goes to print
  • Remember, you can withdraw your story at any time before it goes to print.

Most of the media are compassionate and considerate, so don’t feel frightened. Just be aware sometimes what you say is not necessarily what will be in the story.

Media intrusion and complaints process

You may not want to co-operate with the media – may find their interest in you, or the person who died, intrusive or distressing.

Complaints can be made to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). They’re responsible for making sure that newspapers and magazines stick to the Editor’s Code of Practice. This covers privacy, harassment and intrusion into grief.

A copy of the Code of Practice and details of how to complain are available at the IPSO website. Their helpline telephone number is 0300 123 2220.

Television and radio broadcasters should deal sensitively with deaths related to major incidents. If you have any complaints, you can reach out to them directly.

If you have serious concerns, you should call Ofcom on 0300 123 3333 or 020 7981 3040.