Interviewing

Definition

Interviewing is a crucial communication process where a reporter engages with individuals to gather information, opinions, and insights, often for news stories. In breaking news situations, effective interviewing helps in quickly obtaining relevant details, clarifying facts, and capturing the emotional weight of events, allowing the audience to connect with the story on a personal level.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In breaking news coverage, time is of the essence, so interviews must be concise and to the point to gather information quickly.
2. Effective interviewing in breaking news requires active listening skills to adapt questions based on the interviewee's responses and keep the conversation flowing.
3. Establishing rapport with interview subjects can lead to more open and honest responses, which are vital for accurate reporting in high-stress situations.
4. Journalists must be sensitive to the emotional state of interviewees during breaking news events, as individuals may be in shock or grieving.
5. The ability to pivot quickly in an interview can uncover unexpected information that may add depth and context to a breaking news story.

Review Questions

• How does effective interviewing contribute to the overall quality of breaking news coverage?
  • Effective interviewing enhances breaking news coverage by providing timely and accurate information that helps shape the narrative. It allows reporters to gather firsthand accounts and perspectives that add depth to the story. By asking insightful questions and actively listening, reporters can uncover critical details that might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that the audience receives a comprehensive understanding of the events as they unfold.
• What strategies can journalists use during interviews in breaking news situations to ensure they gather relevant information while being sensitive to the interviewee's emotional state?
  • Journalists can employ several strategies during interviews in breaking news situations. They should approach subjects with empathy, recognizing that many may be experiencing trauma or distress. Utilizing open-ended questions allows interviewees to express themselves fully while also helping reporters gather nuanced insights. Additionally, maintaining a calm demeanor and establishing trust can encourage more candid responses from those being interviewed.
• Evaluate how the techniques used in interviewing can evolve in response to the demands of digital media platforms for breaking news coverage.
  • The techniques used in interviewing have evolved significantly due to the demands of digital media platforms. Reporters now often conduct live interviews through video calls or social media, requiring them to adapt their questioning style for brevity and engagement. Additionally, soundbites are increasingly important as audiences prefer quick consumption of information. The immediacy of digital platforms pushes reporters to refine their interviewing skills further, ensuring they capture impactful moments that resonate with viewers while maintaining accuracy under pressure.

Related terms

soundbite:

A short, memorable quote or clip from an interview that captures the essence of a person's statement or opinion, often used in news reports.

pre-interview: The preparation phase before the actual interview, where the reporter researches background information and formulates questions to ensure a focused and productive conversation.

follow-up questions:

Questions that a reporter asks during an interview to seek clarification or additional details based on the initial responses given by the interviewee.