Group 4 E-booklet

University of Guyana Faculty of Social Sciences Department for Communication Studies DPC2109 - Reporting and Writing 3: Specialised Journalism (Health and Environment) E- BOOKLET ASSIGNMENT Submitted by: GROUP 4 Submitted to: Mrs. Rhonda Hamilton-Weekes 12/18/2021 1

Contents Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3 What is a Broadcast Interview? ...................................................................................................... 3 Categories of Interview................................................................................................................... 5 How to prepare for Broadcast Interviews and Print........................................................................ 5 Radio Interviews ............................................................................................................................. 7 Television Interviews.................................................................................................................... 10 Print Media Interviews.................................................................................................................. 12 2

Introduction This book is based on many interviews and includes everything you need to know about them. It explains how to broadcast interviews and goes over all of the interviews you will need to know. Each piece of writing in this book was based on research conducted by the members of the group. Its primary goal is to inform readers on the dos and don'ts of conducting interviews. It is certain to assist folks who desire to learn more about interviews and how to conduct them. Each interview includes all of the information you will need to perform a successful interview. What is a Broadcast Interview? “…any interview which is to be published in audio format, rather than transcribed and printed. This could be live on radio or TV, or recorded for subsequent broadcast, which now includes digital platforms such as podcasts.” (Barber, n.d.) Now that we’ve establish what is a broadcast interview, let us dive into the various types of broadcast interviews: •Radio Interviews- Although some may count out radios off the “trendy” form of communication tools, it is still quite relevant and remains one of the most dynamic broadcasting tools in the 21st century. According to Radio Interviews and Radio Days, (n.d.) in the UK, radio interviews are sometimes known as ‘radio day’ or ‘ISDN link ups’, essentially mean having a spokesperson linking up with BBC and Commercial radio stations from a Central Studio and therefore broadcast in studio quality. On the other hand, radio interviews can be recorded or live. •Television Interviews- A TV interview can be as simple as asking questions of people on the street, or it can be as involved as a one-on-one, sit-down discussion with the President. (Halbrooks, n.d.). Notably, TV interviews can be sub-divided into (3) types: • Recorded Studio Interviews • Live Studio Interviews • Location Interviews (normally at your place of work) 3

•Print Media Interview- Print media is one of the most ancient and fundamental form of mass communication, e.g., newspaper, magazines, printed journals etc. Print interviews are considered the hardest interviews to date. Its arguably more difficult to gain control of or even prepared for. Two (2) disadvantages of print media are: ● Attention span – Often times readers would not complete reading a 1500 words article, as a result they opt for radio or Tv. ● Time – A radio broadcaster / television presenter can announce the news in 3 minutes versus a newspaper article which can be lengthy and time consuming. Two advantages are: • It has a long-enjoyed credibility. • It creates job opportunities. Tips when conducting print media interview BEFORE * Be Prepared. Have a draft of the questions you would like to ask and in what order. * Be punctual DURING THE INTERVIEW * Be courteous * Actively listens * Do not be afraid of making eye contact AFTER * Thank interviewee 4

*Reflect and start compiling information gathered during the interview. Categories of Interview Before conducting any interview, it is of the utmost importance that journalists/reporters are fully aware of the different categories of interviews and how to go about handling their respective interviewee/contributor stories, with treating each story as something that needs to be heard or addressed. Jim Beaman, author of Interviewing for Radio; listed (4) categories of interviews. • Collecting information- This type of interview is dedicated to ‘obtaining or elucidation about a subject.’ Experts within a particular field, eyewitnesses or spokesperson are included in these interviews. At the end of the interview, a journalist's topic/story must be logical and all the facts well documented in a clear manner. Furthermore, this interview can be on-or off air. • Expressing opinion or offering explanation- Once again, this type of interview deals with hard, core, facts. Once this has been collected ensure you ask an expert within the field of the same topic/subject. Opinions from the public are also included, normally by phone-in or vox-pop. • Accountability- (Beaman, 2002) best describes this part as “to ask someone responsible for decision making and instigating a plan to explain and justify their reasons for embarking on a course of action.” In some cases, as an interviewer you may “challenge these actions” or merely welcome comments from other interviewees with opposing views towards the actions. • Emotional or sensitive- This type of interview usually brings out the ‘tear-jerker’ effect or taps into the human emotions. While conducting this interview journalists needs to tap into their own human emotions and abandon the narrative of “getting the juicy info” out of the interviewee. The person may be related to the victim or is the victim. Avoid ‘hammering’ questions or insensitive questioning. More delicate care needs to be portrayed especially in such an interview. How to prepare for Broadcast Interviews and Print For some, especially those ‘fresh out of college’ with a good internship under their belt; conducting their first interview be a broadcast interview or for print, may seem like a stroll in the park. To even add to the figurative scenery, you are a “self-proclaimed” professional, you have got all the do’s and don'ts, pros and cons jotted down in your memory. However, as good as you 5

may be, there’s always room for improvement and adjustments to be made as it relates to your interviewing skills. As journalists it is pretty common to hear the basic run down of executing a fantastic, newsworthy interview. Research the topic and subject, determine how you will do the interview, consider your interview questions, actively listen and ask follow up questions, avoid talking about yourself or even setting expectations. These common basics are simple and straightforward. However, it is more than just applying the basics when conducting an interview. Furthermore, each broadcast interview (TV, radio and print media) varies in their own unique way. Let us analyze each with our microscopic lens. Starting with radio interviews. As mentioned before, these interviews can be recorded or live. Discard the saying ‘it’s better to see the picture than imagining it’, it is your duty as a journalist to paint the picture, or to better put it into words of Jim Beaman, “stimulate the aural imagination.” Let the listeners be captivated by your array of questions, your style of professionalism along with the way you steer the interview into simple yet factual conversations that common folks can understand and relate too. Before diving into a radio interview try warm up exercises as listed below: • Listen to a radio interview • Pay attention to how the interviewee is asking the questions • Ask yourself if you were in the shoes of the interviewer, would you ask the same set of questions? Would you make minor or major adjustments to his/her questions? Is their style of conducting an interview encouraging the interviewee to speak? • Ask yourself, “was the interviewee suitable for the interview?” and what sounds were used to awaken the aural imagination. • Conduct an interview with a friend or colleague to get familiar and shake off the tenseness 6

Now that the warm-ups have been listed, let us proceed onto preparation for conducting a radio interview. Radio Interviews 1.1 Tape recorder, Microphone, Live or Recorded? (Before Interview) As a journalist, preparation is key. Good preparation and organization will result in a great interview whether it is live or recorded. • Before conducting any interview, the audience (listeners) should be taken into consideration. The journalist should determine if the interviewee is appropriate for the interview and if the discussion will benefit the radio station listeners. • Research your topic effectively, ensure your facts are correct, if your interviewee is from a Medical field advise them to use layman terms where necessary so your listeners can relate but don’t strip the discussion too much whereby the vital information will be taken lightly (especially if it relates to one’s health or a new disease on the horizon) • Determine if a live or recorded interview will be effective for the topic/discussion • Schedule an appropriate time, date and location for the interview • Ensure microphones and headphones are working properly, pack extra batteries and tape • Do a quick sound check in the selected environment (studio or outdoors) • Prepare your list of adequate questions, prepare a list of questions that you know your listeners are eager to be answered • Run the questions by your interviewee if necessary (in some cases your guest will refuse to answer besides it not being personal or classified; ‘catch’ your interviewee off guard to questions that MUST be answered or addressed) 7

1.2 On Air (At the Interview) This part is where the real discussion starts. You have checked the necessary equipment’s, scheduled a time for the interview while doing research. Now let us begin: • Dress in an appropriate attire. Make a good impression on your interviewee. Yes, although it may not be a visual medium of communication (radio) still show up and ‘dress up’ in a professional manner. • Given that your interview will take place in a studio, make your interviewee feel welcomed. Arrange for someone to give him/her a little tour of the necessary facilities for e.g., cloakroom, washroom, etc. • Remind your guest of the various questions (where necessary) • Inform your interviewee of the red light, highlighting when it comes on the studio is on air and the discussion begins • Maintain eye contact, listen attentively. Make the interviewee feel like what they have to say is important and respected. • Encouragement goes a long way. Encourage your guest with little nods, smiles etc. • Create an environment which prompts them to speak. For e.g., “Interesting, can you please tell me more about…” • Politely ask your guest to turn away from the microphone if they need to clear their throat or cough 8

• Avoid the interviewee questioning you, try your best to direct the questions and remind them the interview is solely based upon their views, commentary and the listeners would like to hear him/her speak • If the interview is being conducted over a telephone, advise your contributor to position their mouth close enough to the handset (this allows clear signal) however, not too close. On the other hand, ensure they are not speaking too loudly (this will cause a distort) The information below relates to recorded interviews off set/out of the station: • Introduce yourself, indicate which station you are from and what you will like to discuss with him/her. • When conducting a recorded location interview, remember sound plays a significant role. Let us say you would like to discuss the impact of heavy rainfalls with a farmer; interview him/her on the farm. Sounds from machinery or animals will give your listeners a sense of the surroundings. • If recording at an outdoor location, and the wind ‘picks up a rage’ and it is impossible to find shelter, stand with your back to the wind or if they interviewee wishes to postpone the interview merely reschedule • Keep in mind it is a recording, you can stop, start and do a retake of an answer or question • Ask the interviewee if they would like to add anything else, maybe they missed a few words or forget to mention a vital piece of information • Play back the recording and ensure everything is well documented • Record with editing in mind, avoid recording too much material and then editing an enormous amount out if it. Remember the interviewee will listen to it and feel disappointed with the end result being played on air • Label your recording, date and place of interview 9

1.3 It’s a wrap (After the Interview) • If the interview was at the studio, thank your guest for the interview and close off with stating their name(s) • Show your interviewee to the door • Ensure you have a contact information and address for future reference (if you need them to speak again) • If the contributor is from an organization or support group, cases are you may get queries from your listeners after the broadcast, highlight their contact number and address so listeners can make contact for other information • If it was a recording, start the editing process and writing up the cue sheet. Given that your deadline may be a few minutes/hours or merely days away. • Remove all unwanted materials and mistakes in the editing process, however remember to keep the relevant information intact. Television Interviews Congratulations, it is time for your visual form of broadcast- TV interviews. Remember your audience is listening and watching. Unlike a radio interview, a bit more work has to put in. The basic ground work is still required. Let us get started: 1.1Notepad, Schedules, It’s Visual (Before the Interview) • When giving a television interview, you must always be very focused on what you are doing and the type of interview you are conducting. 10

• Your dress code must also be appropriate and suitable for the interview because you will have people watching you and you do not want to appear unfamiliar. • Make sure you arrive on time to the studio, so you have enough time to prepare and remain calm during the interview; you do not want to be rushed. Though you do not want to be looking at the points all the time when conducting a television interview, it is helpful to remember the question you want to ask the interviewee. • Always make sure you understand why you are doing the interview and how it will benefit you or the audience. You should not just do it because you want to; it should be for a specific reason, and you, as the interviewer, should stick to that objective and attempt to get the most out of the interview. 1.2 Lights, Camera, Action (At the Interview) •When performing a television interview, you must interact with the individual as if you were having a conversation with them. Know how to ask your questions and make sure they are in sequence. You can either ask them questions regarding the topic or tell them how you feel about it. •You must interact with the individual as if you were having a discussion with them when giving a television interview. Make sure you know how to ask questions and that they are in the right order. You can either ask them questions about the subject or express your feelings about it. • Start with simple questions and learn how to organize them; do not ask difficult questions first. Since this is a television interview, you do not really have a specific audience; anyone may be watching, so you want to make sure that you are on target and not all over the place during the interview. • Always have a backup question prepared to ask during the interview. You must pay close attention to what the interviewee is saying, so if you have a question, you must wait until they are finished before proceeding. Try to ask questions regarding the issue that you think the audience would be interested in. 11

Print Media Interviews Print media can be in the form of newspapers, magazines, pamphlets or even billboards. 1.1 Pens and Scribbling Notes (Before the Interview) • Be Prepared. Have a draft of the questions you would like to ask and in what order. • Be punctual 1.2 Recording and Taking Notes (At the Interview) • Be courteous • Actively listens • Do not be afraid of making eye contact 1.3 Time for Printing (After the Interview) • Thank interviewee • Reflect and start compiling information gathered during the interview 12

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REFERENCE • Barber, A. (n.d.). Types of Media Interview | Tamarindo Communications. Www.tamarindocomms.com. https://www.tamarindocomms.com/blog/types-of-media-interview • Beaman, J. (2002). Interviewing for Radio. Routledge • Halbrooks, F. B. F. L. F. T. G. H. wrote about news media for T. B. C. H. is a T. news director with more than 30 years experience R. T. B. editorial policies G. (2019, August 5). Tips on How to Conduct a Good Television Interview. The Balance Careers. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/tv- interview-tips-for-news-media-professionals-2315424 • How to deliver a good television interview. (2014, March 10). Public Relations Sydney. https://publicrelationssydney.com.au/how-to-deliver-a-good-television-interview/ • Master Class Staff (2020, November 8) Master Class. How to Conduct a Great Television Interview https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-conduct-a-great-television-interview • PRINT INTERVIEWS TIPS. (2016, October 14). Broadcast Media Services. https://www.broadcastmedia.co.uk/blog/print-interviews-tips/ • Radio Interviews and Radio Days - Radio Relations. (n.d.). Radio Relations - the UK’s Leading Radio PR Specialists. https://www.radiorelations.co.uk/radio- interviews.html#:~:text=Radio%20Interviews%2C%20sometimes%20known%20as • Admin_broadcastmedia. (2017, August 4). PRINT INTERVIEWS TIPS. Broadcast Media Services. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.broadcastmedia.co.uk/blog/print- interviews-tips/ ● Types of Media Interview | Tamarindo Communications. (n.d.). Tamarindo Communication. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.tamarindocomms.com/blog/types-of-media- interview 14