Doorstepping - a thing of the past?

Researching changing journalistic practise, I stumbled across the iconic 80's image of Ian MacGregor, former Chairman of the National Coal Board, placing a plastic bag over his head to avoid speaking to reporters. (I can't post it here - it's copyrighted!) But it struck me as a stark reminder of the once-common practice of "doorstepping." However, in today's rapidly evolving media landscape, the doorstep interview may be a relic of the past. It's partly empty newsrooms and desktop newsgathering - but it's also that the content often provides no tangible insight into the story. Back in the day, it wasn't always about the what you said, but the how. Sure, there were memorable moments like Philip Green vs. Sky News, but most people, even if unnerved, wouldn't be so blunt. Instead, their surprise often translated into uncertainty, and that uncertainty itself became the story. In today's image-driven media landscape, how should one approach a doorstep interview, should it ever happen?- Maintain decorum: Respond calmly and politely, even when faced with challenging questions.- Avoid unnecessary detail: If there's nothing to say, simply state that.- Minimise emotional responses: In the digital age, any sign of discomfort or anger can be easily misconstrued and amplified.However, while the frequency of doorstep interviews may have dwindled to virtually nothing, the importance of mindful communication in all media interactions still remains crucial.