Understanding the interviewee
12
THE INTERVIEWEE Why would someone talk to a reporter? Image courtesy of Internews via Flickr released under Creative Commons
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How to understand your interviewee and why they may be willing to talk to you. Written for journalism students preparing for a career in broadcasting or publishing.
Transcript of Understanding the interviewee
THE INTERVIEWEEWhy would someone talk to a reporter?
Image courtesy of Internews via Flickrreleased under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
His ego is so big he can’t resist the exposure
She feels guilty and wants to confess
He wants to defend himself against what others are saying or doing
She wants to give the impression she’s not guilty
He’s deluded—doesn’t have a clue how foolish he’ll look
Why would they talk to you?
Ego, guilt, delusion
Image courtesy of Internews via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
She doesn’t really want to, but it’s her job—she has to
He believes strongly in his cause
She wants to get the facts right—to set the record straight
He’s outraged at something or someone
She wants to defend someone else
Why would they talk to you?
Job, cause, record, outrage
Image courtesy of Internews Network via Flickr
released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
She’s a sociopath and thinks she can con the journalist
He has a hidden agenda She’s obedient and
believes journalists have some kind of authority
He thinks it’s just the right thing to do
She’s getting paid by someone to talk
Why would they talk to you?
Agenda, obedience, payment
Image courtesy of Harshad Sharma via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
He’s trying to divert the journalist’s attention
She’s punishing another journalist or news outlet
He hopes the exposure will further his career or help his reputation
She believes the journalist really understands the story
He believes the journalist is likely to agree with his point of view
Why would they talk to you?
Diversion, career, agreement
Image courtesy of Nasim Fekrat via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
She believes the journalist will somehow pay her
He’s rewarding the journalist who is more persistent
She’s rewarding the journalist who hasn’t pestered her
He wants to talk to a journalist of a particular race, sex, religion, alma mater, etc
She cooperates with a journalist who isn’t of a particular race, religion, etc
Why would they talk to you?
Payment, reward, affinity
Image courtesy of thivierr via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
He is impressed with the journalist’s patience
She believes the journalists will be more accurate than the others
He believes the journalist is somehow more sympathetic or empathic
She supports the perceived editorial position of the publication/station/network
He believes the journalist really cares
Why would they talk to you?
Impressed by journalist
Image courtesy of Steve Rhodes via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
She believes the journalist is trustworthy
He believes the journalist is more experienced
She believes the journalist is more trustworthy
The journalist came highly recommended
She’s read/seen/heard the journalist’s work and likes his/her work
Why would they talk to you?
Trust, experience, reputation
Image courtesy of Internews Network via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
He believes the journalist is naïve and can somehow be hoodwinked
She believes the journalist’s publication/program will reach more people
He believes the journalist is just plain nice
She likes the anchors on the journalist’s newscast
Why would they talk to you?
Naive, nice, likes
Image courtesy of Shykh Seraj via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The Interviewee
He believes he might be able to have a relationship with the journalist
She believes the journalists might help her get a job as a reporter
He believes the reporter might have information that could be helpful
She supports the perceived editorial position of the publication/station/network
Why would they talk to you?
Emotion, job, information
Image courtesy of Esthr via Flickr released under Creative Commons
@helpingmedia
The on-camera interview
Using material from a training module by Don Ray on Media Helping Media
Don can be contacted for training work at [email protected]
Acknowledgement Don Ray
Image courtesy of Don Ray
http://www.mediahelpingmedia.org/
