The Broadcast News Process 7th edition Power Point ….ppt

Interviews To gain information about a story, like a live interview To gather information to put in a story and generate sound bites As a program content segment – ‘soft news’ Interviews To find the sound bite “gems,” journalists must conduct thoughtful and thorough interviews with credible sources Good interviews contribute a lot to a news story: Immediacy of the information Create a mood Give essential detail Interpret events Add flavor to the story Good interviews contribute to a good show Interviews Skilled interviewers: Ask insightful questions Ask questions at the right time Probe for honest answers without offending *This comes from knowing as much as possible about the source before doing an interview Interviews Good interviewers write a few key words and plan for only their first four or five questions - the rest of the interview comes from the dialogue exchange, based on planned questions and content interested you? background? qualifications? stance on… future? Interviews Tough questions… are warranted but can also offend the audience if asked without just cause Play hardball with the interviewees who try to “dodge” the issues Don’t ambush Interviews Avoid Yes/No questions or questions that “lead” sources to only answer a certain way Ask questions that require an articulate response Ask questions that require a focused response Avoid saying “I see” or “uh-huh.” This may indicate an understanding to the interviewee, but the audience may assume you are agreeing. Also creates audio and transition problems Interviews Avoid asking two-part questions One or both parts may be forgotten and it may allow the interviewee a chance to avoid unwanted questions Avoid obvious questions It is a waste of time for you, the interviewee and the audience Avoid questions of bad taste Be sensitive to a situation - let your conscience and sense of humanity guide you Interviews Put your sources at ease with these techniques: Appear relaxed yourself Prepare interviewees be