Journalistic interview

Definition

A journalistic interview is a method of gathering information through direct questioning, typically conducted by a journalist to obtain insights, opinions, and facts from a source. This type of interview is crucial in the field of journalism as it enables reporters to create accurate and engaging stories, often exploring complex subjects or events through the voices of those involved or affected.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Journalistic interviews can vary widely in style, from formal one-on-one settings to informal conversations, depending on the context and the subject matter.
2. These interviews can be categorized into different types, such as investigative, feature, or opinion interviews, each serving a distinct purpose in storytelling.
3. Building rapport with sources is essential for journalists to elicit candid responses and gain trust, which often leads to more insightful interviews.
4. Journalists often prepare for interviews by researching background information on the topic and the source, formulating questions in advance to guide the conversation.
5. The ethical considerations surrounding journalistic interviews include ensuring accuracy, avoiding conflicts of interest, and respecting the privacy of sources while balancing the public's right to know.

Review Questions

• How does the approach to a journalistic interview differ when conducting an investigative interview versus a feature interview?
  • The approach to an investigative journalistic interview focuses on uncovering facts, seeking accountability, and often involves more probing questions to expose issues or scandals. In contrast, a feature interview is typically more conversational and aims to explore a subject's personal story or experiences. Investigative interviews may require journalists to have a more confrontational style, while feature interviews often prioritize building rapport and drawing out emotional narratives.
• Discuss the role of open-ended questions in enhancing the quality of information gathered during a journalistic interview.
  • Open-ended questions play a crucial role in journalistic interviews because they encourage sources to provide detailed responses and insights rather than limiting them to short answers. This technique allows journalists to uncover deeper stories and perspectives, leading to richer narratives. By using open-ended questions, journalists can create an environment that fosters dialogue and facilitates the discovery of new angles on a topic.
• Evaluate how ethical considerations influence the conduct of journalistic interviews and the potential impact on public trust in journalism.
  • Ethical considerations are fundamental in conducting journalistic interviews as they shape how journalists interact with their sources and present information. Issues such as accuracy, respect for privacy, and avoidance of conflicts of interest directly affect how audiences perceive journalism. When ethical standards are upheld, journalists can build credibility and trust with their audience; however, any breaches can lead to skepticism about media integrity. This evaluation shows that ethics are not just guidelines but essential components that underpin the relationship between journalism and public trust.

Related terms

source: An individual or entity that provides information to a journalist during an interview, which can include experts, witnesses, or officials.

open-ended questions: Questions that allow for more detailed and elaborate responses rather than simple yes or no answers, encouraging deeper conversation.

background interview: An interview conducted to gather context and information that may not be directly quoted in a story but is essential for understanding the topic.