The Reynolds Factors

Get to know the ten points on the Reynolds checklist. Bookmark this page for quick reference if a journalist calls.

If a journalist calls, challenge their ability to meet each point on the list. This will help you establish whether they have done their research if you feel they haven’t satisfied a point, challenge them to alter, delay or stop the story. Then contact Schillings, as a letter from us will go straight to the newspapers' legal department and help prevent publication.

The Reynolds factors

	Issue	Meaning	What next?
1	Gravity	If the allegation is serious and untrue, the public is more gravely misinformed and the individual or corporate more seriously harmed. If grave, more responsibility required.	Convince the journalist of the seriousness of the allegation. This makes it all the more important that they meet the other points.
2	Of public interest	The nature of the information and the extent to which the subject is a matter of public interest and concern. Not the same as 'Interesting'	Distinguish between stories the public are interested in and the real test of public interest: whether the story is properly a matter for public debate. There is no public interest in gossip, rumour or speculation.
3	Sources	The source of the information. Some informants have no direct knowledge of the events. Some have an axe to grind, or are being paid for their stories. Independent or axe to grind?	If the source is not independent, you can cause delay by pointing this out and suggesting the need for verification by independent sources. One source is rarely enough.
4	Verification	What steps have been taken to check the truth and reliability of the source and the story? Important if single or axe-grinding source	Ask what steps have been taken to verify the story. Other similar sources should be interviewed. Tell them who they should speak to.
5	Status	The allegation may have already been the subject of an investigation which commands respect. Is it a bare allegation or an authoritative finding?	Journalists need to take great care with gossip or innuendo. Demand that the story is verified by a number of reliable sources. Ask if they can prove the allegation is true.
6	Urgency	The urgency of the matter. This must be real. Never means their print deadline or desire for a scoop.	Ask the reason for urgency eg is it a time-sensitive food scare and product recall?
7	Comment	Whether comment was sought from the subject. The journalist must put the story to the subject to get their side.	This is why the journalist is calling you. They should wait for your answer. You control the timing now, not them.
8	Gist	Whether the article contained the gist of the subjects story. They must publish your version/side.	This is why they should report exactly what you tell them you want published. It's also why you should not refuse to comment and why you should tell them what you want said on the record.
9	Tone	The tone of the article. A newspaper can raise queries or call for an investigation. It need not adopt allegations as statements of fact. Is the article sensational or is it neutrally reported?	Ask them to read you what they have written or are proposing to write.
10	Circumstance	The circumstances of the publication, including the timing.	This is a catch-all section. Use it to point out any other reasons why the journalist has not acted responsibly.

Schillings are the leading lawyers in reputation management and brand protection; specialising in defamation and privacy for private clients and corporate organisations. Schillings have a very active dispute resolution department and we also provide family and matrimonial advice to our private client base of high-net worth individuals and celebrities. In addition, our sports department manages work in reputational, regulatory and sports sponsorship matters for some of the highest profile sports stars, brands and clubs.

If you have any queries please contact Schillings on 020 7034 9000 or email us at legal@schillings.co.uk