Follow-up interviews

Definition

Follow-up interviews are conversations conducted after an initial interview, aimed at gathering additional information or clarifying details about a story or event. These interviews play a vital role in enhancing the depth and accuracy of news coverage by providing updates, new perspectives, or responses to earlier comments made by subjects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Follow-up interviews help journalists verify facts and ensure accuracy in reporting, which is crucial for maintaining credibility.
2. These interviews can reveal changes in circumstances or public opinion that may have emerged since the original interview.
3. Conducting follow-up interviews can uncover new angles or deeper insights into a story, enriching the overall narrative.
4. They are especially important in developing stories that evolve over time, such as breaking news or ongoing investigations.
5. Using follow-up interviews allows journalists to hold subjects accountable for their previous statements and clarify any ambiguities.

Review Questions

• How do follow-up interviews enhance the accuracy of news reporting?
  • Follow-up interviews enhance the accuracy of news reporting by allowing journalists to verify facts and gather updated information from sources. These conversations help clarify any misunderstandings from the initial interview and provide an opportunity to correct any inaccuracies. By returning to sources for additional input, journalists can create a more complete and reliable narrative.
• In what ways can follow-up interviews contribute to developing stories that evolve over time?
  • Follow-up interviews contribute to developing stories by providing journalists with the latest updates and changes in circumstances that may not have been available during the initial interview. As situations progress, new developments can significantly alter the context of a story, and follow-up interviews allow reporters to capture these shifts. This process keeps the audience informed about ongoing issues and reflects the dynamic nature of news coverage.
• Evaluate the role of follow-up interviews in fostering accountability among sources in news reporting.
  • Follow-up interviews play a crucial role in fostering accountability among sources by giving journalists the opportunity to revisit earlier statements made by individuals. This interaction allows reporters to question sources about inconsistencies or changes in their positions and demand clarifications when needed. By holding sources accountable for their previous comments, follow-up interviews ensure that the reporting remains transparent and trustworthy, which is essential for maintaining public confidence in journalism.

Related terms

Source: An individual or entity that provides information or insight relevant to a news story, often serving as the basis for reporting.

Contextualization: The process of placing information within a broader framework to enhance understanding, often achieved through additional interviews and background research.

Update Reporting: The practice of revisiting and reporting on previously covered stories to provide the latest developments and insights.