Research
Should research be done before or after writing your interview questions?
before (but, it is important to continue researching to find the most up to date information all throughout making your segment)
What is perspective in journalism?
Perspective is the opinions and direction the story is going in. The interviewees you have, questions you ask, and VO you use all can change the perspective of the story
Should we send questions to the interviewee ahead of time?
NEVER EVER
How many interviews should your segment have?
In KCBY we typically have 3 interviews per segment.
How many people should typically attend an interview?
at least 2 people from KCBY
Why should we research before an interview?
to be able to great good question, make the interviewee feel understood, and to be able to create unbiased stories
Who are good people interview at CHS?
Springer, students, coaches (these are all true, but interviewees need to picked specifically for the angle of the story)
How should questions be ordered?
easy questions (should get to know your interviewee and their story) then more hard hitting/ground break questions that will get your real soundbites
How many times can you ask the same question to your interviewee?
as many times as you need! (of course within reason) if their response needs “cleaning up” it is always good to have them just repeat their answer, this can make the transcribing and editing process a whole lot easier
How do you know what to include in an email requesting an interview?
Where is your research kept during the entirety of your segment making?
Who would you interview for a segment about the chess club?
a student in chess club, the club leader, the sponsor of the club, maybe someone who is involved in something similar to the club but at a higher level
What makes a good interview question?
good questions are tied to the theme/angle of your story, elicit emotion, and provoke discussion rather than “yes” or “no” responses
What is a conversational interview?
a conversational interview is one that flows like a discussion with a friend, it is important to really listen to what the interviewee is saying that way we can respond as you would in a conversation rather than the whole things feeling like an interrogation
What is the difference between a sound bite, voiceover, and b-roll?
A sound bite is a clip of the interview of the interviewee answering a question or giving important information. A voice over is added in during the editing process for us to give context to what the interviewee is saying, this is typically covered up with b-roll which is video depicting what is being discussed in the voiceover or sound bite.
What are good sources to find information about local events?
Coppell Gazette, Coppell Facebook, Springers newsletter, Dallas Morning News
What type of segment would you interview a athlete, coach, and their parent for?
A feature story about the athlete
What would a good question to a new CISD board member be?
let’s discuss…
What are the first steps to an interview once the camera is rolling?
Have the interviewee state their first and last name and spell it so that we can do a mic check, remind the interviewee to repeat the question in their answer, and then get started!
How do you get good at interviewing/interacting with strangers?
PRACTICE!!! we all understand that taking to strangers can be kinda scary or awkward, but trust us when we say that practicing by actually doing is the best way to get more confident doing it!
How do you stay unbiased while doing research?
By utilizing non biased news outlets, checking sources from opposing viewpoints, not using absolutes for any particular opinion, excluding any personal opinion you might have
Who should be interviewed if the segment in about a local election?
both candidates (we want a fair angle), locals participating in the election, a campaign manager, other city officials
How many questions should you ask during an interview?
go into the interview with 10-15 prepared questions but always be ready to ask follow up questions in order to keep the conversation going and gain more information about a topic
What is the last step when interviewing someone?
THANK THEM!!! for their time and willingness to be a part of your segment
What is the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics?
seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, be accountable and transparent