1 JOURNALISM... UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA DPC- 2109 “Group Assignment”. Lecturer: Rhonda Hamilton-Weekes Names of Group ‘7’ Members: Joseph Daniels - 1021402 Shakel Thomas - 102825 Delicea Dorris - 1033953 Troy Dopson- 1032781 Sheneile Moshett- 1034070 Tieanna Jordon - 1032876 Athalia Whyte- 1035050 “Mini e-Booklet on Conducting Interviews in Journalism for Science and Health”
TABLE OF CONTENT 2 INTRODUCTION 3-4 5 CONTENTS ON PREPARING AND CONDUCTING 6-7 LIVE INTERVIEWS 8-9 10-11 EDITED BROADCAST 12 13 INTERVIEWS FOR PRINT MEDIA NOTES REFERENCE 2
3 INTRODUCTION Interviews are one of the most important tools for Journalists to obtain information, to expand on information received from other sources and to clarify facts and see things from different perspectives. In this way, we ‘Journalists’ can use the interview to expand on the basic “who, what, where, how, when and why” of news gathering. This is relative to whatever issue we are covering: health, economics, science or poverty. For instance, in covering the issue of poverty and health issues, the interview is the way in which the voice of not only experts but also the people that are mostly affected by the issue will be heard. The interview is the manner in which the voice of often-unheard and other people are brought to the larger public. To say the least, some journalists might not see it as all that important, but it is essential to conduct interviews before reporting on all news stories, whether it be health and science or other news coverages. The interview is basically the backbone or main foundation which is used as a journalist's guide to developing a proper story. As the wise ones would say, “an interview may make or break a story”. Preparing for the various types of interviews may be similar, but preparing for a science interview may be slightly different. Angilee Shah, an experienced Journalist argues that it can be challenging when it comes to interviewing scientists, researchers and health care professionals. However, interviewing skills – during, before and after an interview can help to solve challenges that may arise. One important aspect of preparing for a science interview as a journalist is to conduct a pre-interview. This enables you to conceptualize the context of the development on which you intend to report and it also gives you the opportunity to determine whether or not a scientist is suitable for your broadcast. As it relates to interviews for health and science stories it is important that Journalists familiarize themselves with the interviewee and also know the opinions of other experts in the field. This helps to elevate an interview and draw the conversation deeper. Also, this way the Journalist will know that they are not being ill-informed. Their story will not mislead the public. Oftentimes, print journalists do not find this aspect beneficial but television and radio reporters do reap the benefits of conducting such interviews. 3
4 Conducting a science or health interview is not a simple task as it demands that the Journalist be smart, have clear intentions and galvanise their interests which includes finding the ideal scientist to interview and making that individual comfortable to speak or open up to you. As journalists it is our duty to persuade the scientist to talk to you. Scientists always believe that sharing their information or going public is an exchange with the journalist. Granting that they will provide the journalist with the information they require, the journalist will make the information presented accessible to the public. With that the scientist will feel accomplished and recognized for the works they have done. Unfortunately, many journalists believe interviewing is simply a matter of asking questions and taking down the responses. Often, we pay little attention to this important skill. To be a true effective journalist demands that we hone our interviewing skills to an art. This comes with practice and following certain guidelines which fosters a better delivery of the news and contents we present to the general public. *How you will be using the interview *P reparing the scientist for the interview *Select the most suitable location for the interview * D ressing appropriately for the interview In print media, Journalists who work on interviews for health/science stories must be very thorough so as to not misquote the interviewee in a published article. Hence, this is where content for preparing and conducting an interview for health and science stories plays a major role in a Journalist’s credibility. https://youtu.be/6s7gJAp1XoU?t=152 ⇠ ‘’click’’ on the video Link for more info... 4
5 Let’s explore how journalists prepare and conduct interviews in: LIVE INTERVIEWS EDITED BROADCAST PRINT MEDIA “CLICK the link here for more info...” h ttp://www.wfsj.org/course/pdf/en/e03.pdf 5
6 Preparing and conducting live interview For journalists, the finished product may be a piece of writing that he or she crafted, but the material is a result of the interviews that the individual conducted. Like any creative professional, you use your perception to reinterpret the world around you. Here’s the catch; good journalism is dependent on a total stranger’s cooperation and participation. · Preparing for radio ‘’Consider the following w hen conducting a radio interview...’’ ● Encourage the interviewee to turn off all cell phones and other devices that may produce unwanted background noise. ● Advise them not to speak simultaneously since you do not have a second chance. ● Be sure to warn science guests to refrain from using terms such as “as I said before” since it is a live radio program and not everyone might join the program at the same time and would not follow as a result. ● When conducting a radio interview your first question must be attention grabbing, otherwise the listener might be forced to leave the program. Click the link… https://youtu.be/KCMGf8zQt0bw - Although conducting the interview in the radio studio will improve the sound it is also a good idea to conduct the live radio at the location the actual science event took place, you will then be able to say on air “I’m sitting here in the lab where the covid 19 vaccine was introduced...” 6
7 · Preparing for television Preparing the scientist for the studio can be as equally important as preparing the list of intended questions for the interview. You should: ● Advise the interviewee as to how to dress for a television interview, ensure that they know how to sit, where to look, if they can walk with props to aid in the discussion etc. ● As a journalist, you must have prepared and relevant questions for the interviewee. Especially in this case conducting a television interview you will have to make eye contact with the scientist and make the interview seem like a comfortable conversation between two friends. ● You also need to be prepared to ask follow up questions depending on the response received from the previous question. ● It is pivotal to have knowledge of the discussion so that the information you grasp may be concise and valuable enough to get to the public. ‘’Never ask close ended questions that will result in a yes or no answer, it is better to ask open ended questions which will give the scientist room to give a detailed explanation’’ ● Be a little annoying. Feel comfortable to revisit a question or topic that you feel has not been properly addressed by the interviewee Instead of just moving on to the next question. Like on the radio, viewers or listeners will not always be tuned in from the beginning of the interview so it will be good if the journalist work the questions and information presented in a way that will be beneficial to persons who have just tuned in to the program 7
8 Edited broadcast interview While broadcast interviews can make even the most sophisticated executive uneasy, they offer a unique opportunity to deliver messages to a wide audience quickly and simultaneously. Broadcast comes with its commensurate challenges; right preparation and approach, every executive can be an effective communicator even in the relatively unforgiving environment that TV and radio represents. · Preparing for radio interview ● When preparing for a radio interview your choice of location plays a key role. It is good to select a location that will boost the topic in question. In this aspect the quality of sound is important, specifically natural sounds. ● Brief the scientist on your plans, be sure to inform the individual about the range of people that will be interviewed in the package etc. · 8
9 Preparing for television interview When preparing for a television interview the interview alone would not be enough. Some of the things you might probably need to back up the interview are: ● Images of the scientist working, like, a clip of the scientist testing or using a particular equipment in the lab. This will be attention grabbing to the viewers. ● Do not forget to inform the scientist about the time span or how time consuming it might be to take a sequence of shots. ● It is always a good idea to include ambient sounds- science in action- as much as possible, if the interviewee can explain the sounds it will be even better. 9
10 Interviews for print Media Most scientists prefer print media but the internet is gradually taking over that spot since online articles can easily be linked to resources. For example: peer-reviewed research papers or even the scientist home page. Consider doing the following whilst conducting an interview for a health or science story: ● Journalists must always identify themselves regardless of the situation. It is unethical to mislead your interviewee, especially if they are highly respected scientists or health professionals. ● First a journalist needs to establish the rules at the beginning of the interview by letting the interviewee know that they will be recorded. ● The journalist should let the scientist know how much time and effort should be placed on the interview based on how long or short you intend to have your article. ● In doing an interview for print media the journalist must ensure that their recording device is close to the interviewee. This is because the voice of the interviewee is more important than that of the journalist when it comes to conducting health/science interviews for print media. ● As the interviews commence, journalists in print media should always indicate that they intend to publish the information they are gathering. ‘Be sure to take a photo or two to include in your article, so as to add some color or prominence to the article’ ● During the interview the journalist must keep in mind that they are gathering information for print media – whether it is for newspapers or magazines. ● Whilst conducting the interview the journalist must gather as much background information as possible on the science related issue. 10
11 ● It is the journalist responsibility to be polite and respectful to the interviewee but also firm enough. ● A journalist must not end the interview without asking for contact information and access to photos or other documents that may help in their article. 11
12 Key points to take away… When you are asked to be interviewed in the media, it is important to know that each medium- radio, TV and print have unique requirements that should be considered before the interview. Radio: is a personal medium that gives the illustration of one to one relationship, meaning you adapt appropriate styles when going on radio programs. Like a friendly approach in interview programs like talkbacks. Language and tone is appropriate and the listener should be able to grasp your point clearly. Television: is imperative as the audience sees you and hears you. Your body language is, dress, background and movement all contribute to communication with the audience. To appear credible you must sound and look credible especially when presenting on science and health issues. The power of television lies in its visual impact. You must be brief, to the point and get the key messages across in a limited time… Print: Feel free to introduce the interviewee at the beginning of the article. When quoting someone mention exactly who you are quoting. Even so, all Journalists should ensure that they are prepared for the interview beforehand by crafting an explicit plan as to what and how the information will be assessed and questions asked. The Science interviewee should feel comfortable and subconsciously recognise that the journalist is simply seeking clarity on the issue and should not feel as if it is an argument. 12
13 References Shah, A. (2011/05/20). Interviewing Skills: How to get great stories from scientists, researchers and health care professionals. Centre for Health Journalism. https://centerforhealthjournalism.org/blogs/interviewing-skills-how-get-great-stories-scientists- researchers-and-health-care-professionals Daly, C. & Kille, L. (2016/06/01). I nterviewing a source: Tips. Journalist’s Resource: research on today’s news topics. https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/reporting/interviewing-a-source/ Martin, M. E. (2014/02/07). The Art of Interviewing, tools and techniques. Global Investigative Journalism Network. The Art of the Interview - Global Investigative Journalism Network (gijn.org) Scott. C (). The interview: Lesson three. Online Course in Science Journalism Online Course in Science Journalism Lesson 3 - The interview Australian Film Television and Radio Scheel (2018, September 5). Top tips for Interviewing w/ Lisa Sweeney. YOUTUBE. h ttps://youtu.be/6s7gJAp1XoU?t=152 13
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