If media call, refer to public relations

Should UNMC faculty and staff be contacted directly by members of the news media, the university policy is for them to refer the call to the UNMC Public Relations Department.

Who to call If you receive a direct inquiry from the media, please contact: Tom O’Connor at (work) 559-4690, (cell phone) 650-7063 or toconnor@unmc.edu. Vicky Cerino at (work) 559-5190, (cell phone) 350-0898 or vcerino@unmc.edu.

“This has been our policy for many years,” said Tom O’Connor, senior associate director in public relations. “It helps us to be aware of media activity on campus, and it allows us to make sure that we connect reporters with the most appropriate person to do the interview.”

It is common practice at most institutions to channel all media calls through public relations, O’Connor said.

“Most reporters know that it is preferred that they start with public relations, so it won’t come as any surprise if they wind up being transferred to PR if they try to contact a source directly,” said Vicky Cerino, media coordinator for UNMC. “We’re on call 24-7-365 and we welcome every opportunity to assist media on their stories.”