10.5 Interviewing public officials and experts
9 min read•august 20, 2024
Interviewing public officials and experts is a crucial skill for television news reporters. It requires careful preparation, effective communication, and ethical considerations to gather valuable insights and information for news stories.
Mastering the art of interviewing public figures enhances the credibility and depth of news coverage. From research and question crafting to conducting the interview and incorporating quotes, each step plays a vital role in producing informative and impactful television news stories.
Types of public officials and experts
- Public officials and experts serve as valuable sources of information for television news stories
- Understanding the different types of public officials and experts is crucial for selecting the most appropriate interviewees
- The credibility and authority of the interviewee can significantly impact the perception and impact of the news story
Elected vs appointed officials
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- Elected officials are chosen by the public through a democratic voting process (senators, mayors, governors)
- Appointed officials are selected by other government officials or bodies to serve in specific roles (cabinet members, agency heads, judges)
- Elected officials are often more responsive to public opinion and may be more willing to engage with the media
- Appointed officials may have more specialized knowledge and expertise in their specific areas of responsibility
Government vs industry experts
- Government experts are individuals who work within government agencies or departments and have specialized knowledge in specific policy areas (CDC scientists, EPA regulators, Pentagon spokespersons)
- Industry experts are professionals who work in private sector fields relevant to the news story (financial analysts, medical researchers, technology executives)
- Government experts can provide official statements and insights into government policies and actions
- Industry experts can offer independent analysis and perspectives on how issues impact businesses and consumers
Preparing for the interview
- Thorough preparation is essential for conducting effective interviews with public officials and experts
- Researching the interviewee's background, crafting relevant questions, and anticipating potential answers can help ensure a productive and informative interview
- Proper preparation demonstrates professionalism and respect for the interviewee's time and expertise
Research on interviewee background
- Gather information on the interviewee's professional experience, education, and areas of expertise
- Review previous public statements, interviews, and publications by the interviewee
- Identify any relevant controversies, accomplishments, or notable events in the interviewee's career
- Understanding the interviewee's background helps tailor questions and anticipate their perspective on the topic
Crafting relevant questions
- Develop a list of that encourage the interviewee to provide detailed and insightful responses
- Focus on questions that address the key issues and angles of the news story
- Structure questions to flow logically and build upon each other to explore the topic in depth
- Consider including both fact-based and opinion-based questions to elicit a range of responses
Anticipating potential answers
- Based on research and understanding of the interviewee's background, anticipate how they may respond to certain questions
- Prepare to clarify or expand upon anticipated answers
- Identify potential areas of sensitivity or controversy and plan how to approach them tactfully
- Anticipating answers helps maintain control of the interview and ensures important points are addressed
Setting up the interview
- Properly setting up the interview is crucial for creating a conducive environment for a productive conversation
- Scheduling considerations, location and environment, and technical requirements all contribute to the success of the interview
- Attention to these details demonstrates professionalism and helps put the interviewee at ease
Scheduling considerations
- Coordinate with the interviewee or their staff to find a mutually convenient time for the interview
- Allow sufficient time for the interview to explore the topic in depth without rushing
- Consider the interviewee's schedule and availability, particularly for public officials with busy calendars
- Be flexible and accommodating while also ensuring the interview fits within production deadlines
Location and environment
- Choose a location that is convenient and comfortable for the interviewee, such as their office or a neutral setting
- Ensure the location is quiet and free from distractions or interruptions
- Consider the visual backdrop and how it may appear on camera, avoiding clutter or inappropriate settings
- For remote interviews, test the video and audio connection in advance to minimize technical issues
Technical requirements and setup
- Determine the necessary equipment for the interview, such as cameras, microphones, and lighting
- Ensure all equipment is properly tested and functioning before the interview begins
- For in-person interviews, arrive early to set up and test equipment and make any necessary adjustments
- For remote interviews, provide clear instructions to the interviewee on any technical requirements or software needed
Conducting the interview
- Conducting the interview requires a balance of building rapport, active listening, and maintaining control of the conversation
- Effective interviewing techniques can help elicit valuable information and insights from public officials and experts
- Handling difficult or evasive responses with professionalism and persistence is crucial for obtaining the necessary information for the news story
Building rapport and trust
- Begin the interview with a friendly and professional demeanor to put the interviewee at ease
- Show genuine interest in the interviewee's perspective and expertise to encourage open and honest responses
- Use body language and nonverbal cues to demonstrate engagement and attentiveness
- Establish a respectful and non-confrontational tone, even when asking challenging questions
Active listening and follow-up questions
- Listen carefully to the interviewee's responses, paying attention to key points and potential areas for follow-up
- Use follow-up questions to clarify or expand upon important points or to explore new angles
- Avoid interrupting the interviewee or rushing to the next question, allowing them to fully express their thoughts
- Summarize or paraphrase key points to ensure understanding and to prompt further elaboration
Maintaining control of the interview
- Keep the interview focused on the key topics and angles relevant to the news story
- Redirect the conversation if the interviewee strays off-topic or provides irrelevant information
- Be prepared to politely interrupt if the interviewee is providing excessively long or rambling responses
- Manage time effectively to ensure all important questions are addressed within the allotted time
Handling difficult or evasive responses
- Remain calm and professional when faced with difficult or evasive responses from the interviewee
- Rephrase questions or approach the topic from a different angle to encourage a more direct response
- Use silence strategically to prompt the interviewee to elaborate or clarify their response
- If necessary, politely but firmly press the interviewee to provide a more complete or honest answer
Post-interview considerations
- The work of incorporating an interview into a news story continues after the interview itself is concluded
- Reviewing and selecting key quotes, and verification, obtaining necessary permissions, and maintaining relationships are all important post-interview considerations
- Attention to these details ensures the accuracy, credibility, and professionalism of the final news story
Reviewing and selecting key quotes
- Carefully review the interview transcript or recording to identify the most compelling and relevant quotes
- Select quotes that succinctly capture the interviewee's key points and insights
- Choose quotes that advance the narrative of the news story and provide valuable context or analysis
- Ensure selected quotes are not taken out of context or misrepresent the interviewee's intended meaning
Fact-checking and verification
- Verify the accuracy of any factual claims or statistics provided by the interviewee
- Consult additional sources or experts to corroborate or challenge the interviewee's statements
- Identify any potential biases or conflicts of interest that may impact the credibility of the interviewee's perspective
- Ensure the final news story presents a balanced and accurate portrayal of the issue or event
Obtaining necessary permissions
- Secure any necessary permissions or releases from the interviewee or their representatives for the use of quotes or footage
- Clarify any restrictions or conditions on the use of the interview material, such as embargoes or attribution requirements
- Obtain signed release forms or verbal confirmations as appropriate to protect against potential legal issues
- Respect any requests for anonymity or off-the-record statements made by the interviewee
Maintaining relationships for future interviews
- Follow up with the interviewee or their representatives to thank them for their time and participation
- Provide a copy of the final news story or a link to the broadcast for their records
- Maintain open lines of communication for potential future interviews or follow-up questions
- Foster positive relationships with public officials and experts to encourage their continued cooperation with the news organization
Ethical considerations
- Conducting interviews with public officials and experts raises important ethical considerations for television news professionals
- Avoiding bias, respecting interviewee rights, disclosing conflicts of interest, and adhering to journalistic standards are all crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the news organization
- Careful attention to these ethical considerations demonstrates a commitment to responsible and trustworthy journalism
Avoiding bias and leading questions
- Strive to maintain objectivity and avoid injecting personal opinions or biases into the interview questions
- Ask open-ended and neutral questions that allow the interviewee to express their own perspective
- Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer or steer the conversation in a predetermined direction
- Be aware of potential biases based on the interviewee's background, affiliations, or past statements
Respecting interviewee's rights and privacy
- Inform the interviewee of the purpose and scope of the interview and how their responses will be used
- Respect the interviewee's right to decline to answer certain questions or to end the interview if they feel uncomfortable
- Protect the interviewee's privacy by not disclosing personal information or off-the-record statements without permission
- Be sensitive to potential risks or consequences the interviewee may face for participating in the interview
Disclosing conflicts of interest
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may impact the credibility of the interview or the news story
- Inform the audience if the interviewee has any financial, political, or personal ties to the issue or parties involved
- Clarify if the interviewee is speaking in an official capacity or expressing personal opinions
- Maintain about any arrangements or conditions agreed to in exchange for the interview
Adhering to journalistic standards and practices
- Follow established journalistic standards and practices, such as the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics
- Verify information and seek multiple perspectives to ensure accuracy and fairness in reporting
- Clearly distinguish between facts and opinions in the presentation of the interview and the broader news story
- Take responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies and issue prompt corrections or clarifications as needed
Incorporating interviews into news stories
- Effectively incorporating interviews with public officials and experts can add depth, credibility, and impact to television news stories
- Using quotes strategically, balancing multiple perspectives, editing for clarity, and proper attribution are all key considerations when integrating interviews into the final news package
- Skillful use of interviews can enhance the audience's understanding of complex issues and provide valuable insights into the decision-making process
Using quotes to support key points
- Select quotes that reinforce the central themes or arguments of the news story
- Use quotes to provide evidence, examples, or expert analysis that supports the story's key points
- Integrate quotes smoothly into the story's narrative, providing context and transitions as needed
- Avoid overreliance on quotes or allowing them to dominate the story at the expense of other important information
Balancing multiple perspectives
- Include interviews with a range of relevant public officials, experts, and stakeholders to provide a balanced and comprehensive view of the issue
- Present opposing or conflicting perspectives fairly and accurately, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions
- Avoid creating false equivalencies or giving undue weight to fringe or unsupported viewpoints
- Provide context and analysis to help the audience understand the significance and implications of different perspectives
Editing for clarity and conciseness
- Edit interview footage or quotes to remove extraneous or repetitive information while preserving the interviewee's intended meaning
- Use clear and concise soundbites that efficiently convey key points or insights
- Ensure edited quotes maintain coherence and do not misrepresent the interviewee's statements
- Balance the need for brevity with the importance of providing sufficient context and detail
Proper attribution and crediting of sources
- Clearly identify the interviewee and their title or affiliation to establish their credibility and authority on the subject
- Use on-screen graphics, lower thirds, or verbal introductions to attribute quotes and provide necessary background information
- Credit any external sources or materials used in the story, such as research studies or archival footage
- Maintain consistent and accurate attribution throughout the story to avoid confusion or misleading the audience
Key Terms to Review (18)
Audience feedback: Audience feedback refers to the reactions and responses from viewers or listeners regarding a media piece, such as news segments or interviews. This feedback is crucial for content creators, as it helps gauge public opinion, assess audience engagement, and refine future productions. The insights gained from audience feedback can inform the narrative choices of multimedia journalists and improve the effectiveness of interviews with public officials and experts.
Barbara Walters: Barbara Walters was a pioneering American broadcast journalist known for her impactful interviews and contributions to television news. She became a trailblazer in journalism, especially in conducting interviews with public figures and celebrities, using her unique style to elicit insightful responses. Her approach emphasized the importance of preparation, the use of open-ended questions, and the ability to engage with guests on a personal level.
David Frost: David Frost was a prominent British television host and journalist known for his innovative interviewing style, particularly during the 1970s. He gained fame for his interviews with high-profile political figures, most notably Richard Nixon, where he combined an engaging approach with incisive questioning, making him a significant figure in the field of television journalism.
De-escalation techniques: De-escalation techniques are strategies and methods used to diffuse high-tension situations, reducing hostility and promoting constructive communication. These techniques are crucial when interacting with public officials and experts, particularly in scenarios where emotions run high or when sensitive topics are discussed. Utilizing de-escalation helps ensure that conversations remain productive and respectful, leading to clearer understanding and collaboration.
Establishing rapport: Establishing rapport is the process of creating a connection and mutual trust between the interviewer and the interviewee. This connection is essential for fostering open communication, encouraging candid responses, and ensuring that the interviewee feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights. Building rapport can significantly enhance the quality of information obtained during interviews with public officials and experts.
Expert interviews: Expert interviews are conversations with individuals who possess specialized knowledge or skills in a particular field. These interviews are essential for gathering in-depth insights, perspectives, and credible information that enhance the quality and authority of news stories. By engaging with experts, journalists can provide their audience with a more nuanced understanding of complex topics, drawing on the expert's experience and research.
Facilitator: A facilitator is an individual who helps guide a conversation or discussion, ensuring that it flows smoothly and that all voices are heard. In the context of interviewing public officials and experts, a facilitator plays a crucial role in managing the dynamics of the interaction, allowing for effective communication and information exchange between the interviewer and the interviewee.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying information to ensure accuracy and credibility before publication or broadcast. This practice is crucial in journalism, as it helps maintain the integrity of news stories and builds trust with the audience.
Follow-up questions: Follow-up questions are inquiries made after an initial question to gain deeper insight or clarification on a topic. These questions are crucial for interviews, as they help to probe further into the responses given, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. By effectively using follow-up questions, interviewers can draw out more detailed information from public officials and experts, gather diverse opinions in person-on-the-street interviews, and encourage expansive answers when asking open-ended questions.
Informed consent: Informed consent is the process of obtaining permission from individuals before engaging them in interviews or using their images or voices, ensuring they fully understand what participation involves. This concept is crucial in media and journalism to protect the rights of individuals while promoting ethical practices in storytelling and information gathering.
Live interviews: Live interviews are real-time conversations broadcasted to an audience, often featuring public officials or experts discussing current events or relevant topics. They provide immediate insights and reactions, allowing for spontaneous dialogue that can enhance viewer engagement. This format requires careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth interaction while addressing pressing issues of the day.
Moderator: A moderator is a person responsible for guiding discussions, facilitating interviews, and ensuring that conversations remain focused and productive. In the context of interviewing public officials and experts, moderators play a crucial role in framing questions, managing time, and encouraging dialogue between participants, all while maintaining neutrality to allow for balanced perspectives.
On-the-record interviews: On-the-record interviews are discussions with sources in which the information shared can be quoted and attributed directly to the speaker. These interviews are crucial in journalism as they provide verified and credible information that can be published, creating transparency and accountability. They are especially important when interviewing public officials and experts, as the weight of their statements lends authority and authenticity to news stories.
Open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are inquiries that allow for a wide range of responses, encouraging interviewees to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in their own words. This type of questioning is essential for drawing out detailed information and insights during interviews, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. They contrast with closed-ended questions, which typically require a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer and limit the scope of the conversation.
Pre-recorded segments: Pre-recorded segments are video or audio clips that are recorded in advance of their broadcast time. These segments allow newsrooms to provide polished and edited content, such as interviews or feature stories, which can enhance the overall quality of a news program and ensure that important details are captured accurately.
Redirecting questions: Redirecting questions is a strategic interviewing technique where the interviewer shifts the focus of the conversation to guide the subject's responses towards more relevant or insightful areas. This approach is essential when interviewing public officials and experts, as it helps clarify complex topics, encourages deeper insights, and ensures that the most important issues are addressed during the conversation.
Transparency: Transparency in journalism refers to the practice of being open and clear about the sources of information, methodologies used in reporting, and potential conflicts of interest. This concept fosters trust with the audience and ensures accountability, which is vital for credible reporting.
Viewer interaction: Viewer interaction refers to the engagement and communication between media outlets and their audience, often facilitated through various platforms and formats. It encompasses feedback, participation, and dialogue that can shape content creation and delivery. This interaction is crucial for anchors and interviewers as it can enhance the relevance of the news being presented and foster a connection with the audience.