Reporting Journalism Notes

Sources / Interviewing “Everyone has a story to tell” – so true! Interesting people tell interesting stories It takes an interesting reporter to uncover interesting stories. Good reporting Good observation Good listening Good interview skills: knowing which questions to ask

Reporting Do: Introduce yourself explain who you are and what you are doing! Do: Research Know as much as possible about the person and the topic both. Do: Put your source at ease Most people are nervous around reporters, cameras, microphones, etc. Ask easy questions first! (build) Tip: Ask questions about them that you know you fully intend to cut (about their family, hobbies, etc.)

Reporting Do: Go into an interview with a set of questions (based on your research). One of the worst mistakes a reporter can make though: going into an interview and not deviating from their list of questions. Adding questions / changing questions to fit the most interesting parts of the interview is necessary! Follow up on answers that the source provides with new questions (especially if you are adding to the “interesting” part of the story) – even if that means stepping away from your list of questions for a few minutes!

Reporting Do: Look at the subject and the subject’s surroundings Interview a person in their place - home, office, school, etc. You will learn more about the person if you are in their environment, rather than yours! Do: Listen Don’t be thinking about your next question – stay with them and really listen! (You may miss something really big)

Reporting Don’t: Avoid double-barreled questions. Ask one question at a time! It’s too hard for them to remember both and answer both fully Plus, they may only answer the question they are more comfortable with Don’t: Show your opinion on the topic/person. Remain neutral at all times!

Reporting Don’t: Ask biased/judgmental questions: Biased Question Do you think it’s wrong for deaf children to be forced to get cochlear implants? Unbiased Question What do you think of cochlear implants for deaf children?

Reporting Tape record Keep it on from the start of the interview to the very end – don’t pause and start for every question Inform the source you are recording Write it down Create abbreviations for yourself – bullet points are also helpful Quotes – you must get it word for word

Open-Ended vs. Closed-Ended Questions Open-Ended Questions – DO! Will pull information from the source Broad – require more than one or two word responses Develop trust between the source and the reporter (allow free response) Closed-Ended Questions – DON’T! Can be answered with “yes” or “no” Probing / Leading – takes out the trust you create with open-ended questions Restrictive / Limiting

Interview Practice Dig into your purse, pocket, backpack, etc. Find an interview subject! Candy wrapper, gum, nail file, pencil, etc. Generate 15 questions for your subject Must relate to your subject Must be open-ended NOT closed-ended We’re going to share tomorrow – so be prepared! Homework if you don’t get this finished – due tomorrow!