Transcript Journalism Chapter 5 - Anderson School District Five

Journalism
Chapter 5
INTERVIEWING
Introduction
Was Bill O’Reilly fair or unfair to President
Obama?
- View the video.
- Write a one-half page critique,
explaining why he was fair or
unfair.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhtnHK9hDRA
Chapter 5.1
Face-to-Face Interviews:
Allow follow up questions
Reveal specifics
Allow depth
Expose the witness’ veracity or credibility
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYqe7FIWKjo
Kinesic Interviewing
Partner Assignment
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Read the handout
On a sheet of notebook paper, write yours and your partner’s names
Take a sequence A and a sequence B handout
Your partner will ask questions based on one, and you will ask
questions based on the other
The student with sequence A will ask questions first, and the student
with sequence B will go second
Ask your partner questions you formulate, based upon either the
sequence A or the sequence B handout
Observe your partner’s words, appearance, and behavior closely
Make note of any deceptive behaviors you observe during the
interview
Turn your notes in to Mr. White for a grade
Benefits of Interviews
• Information
• Detail
• Insight
Two Types of Sources
• Primary: the most important – the
investigators, the witnesses or the people
involved in or directly affected by the event
• Secondary: also important, but less direct
involvement in the situation
Direct Sources
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Victims
Witnesses
Investigators
First hand information
Best, most thorough information
Face-to-face preferred
Research questions
Develop relevant quotations (words a source
says during an interview)
Quotations
• Words uttered by
a source
• Repeat or copy
exact words –
give credit
• Reporter steps back
• Subject talks directly to reader
• Makes story interesting and colorful
• Give stories character
• Description, humor, insight, and / or fun
Preparing for an Interview
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Ask what you need to know
Ask who has the information
Make a list of people involved
Make contact with those sources
Research the story and the people involved
Get copies of pertinent documents
Prepare your questions ahead of time
Secondary Sources
• People who have information relevant to
your story, but are not the main officials,
eyewitnesses or directly affected by the
event.
Unnamed Sources
• People who ask that their names not be
used and, sometimes, that the information
they give reporters not be used
• Three types: off the record
on background
confidential
Unnamed Sources
• OFF THE RECORD means that the
information you are given by the source is
not written down in your notebook, or
taped in your tape recorder
• Can’t use the information in a story
• Can only use it to develop better questions
for other sources
Unnamed Sources
• ON BACKGROUND means that journalists
may use the information the source is
providing, but they may not attribute the
information to the source
Unnamed Sources
• CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES are those who
want to remain anonymous, often because
they fear reprisals from authorities who do
not want the information out.
Before using unnamed sources,
ask the following questions:
• Can I get this information elsewhere on
the record?
• Why is this source unwilling to put a name
on this information?
• Does the source have an interest or bias?
• Can I verify that this information is true?
• If the truth is called into question, can the
source be revealed?
Identifying Sources Exercise
• Find a partner to work with in the computer lab.
• Choose two stories on either www.foxnews.com
or www.cnn.com
• Read your chosen stories
• List the primary sources mentioned in each story
• List the secondary sources mentioned in each
story
Taping Telephone Conversations
• One-party consent state: legal as long as one of the
parties to the conversation is aware that it is being taped
• Two-party consent state: legal only when all parties to
the conversation are aware that it is being taped, and all
parties consent to the taping
• It is illegal in all states to record a conversation to which
you are not a party
In South Carolina:
One party can consent to the recording of a wire, electronic or oral communication. S.C.
Code Ann. §§ 17-30-20, 17-30-30. It is a felony for a third party to do so. Under the
statute, consent is not required for the taping of a non-electronic communication uttered
by a person who does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in that
communication. See definition of “oral communication,” S.C. Code Ann. § 17-30-15.
Anyone whose communication has been unlawfully intercepted can recover actual
damages in the amount of $500 per day of violation or $25,000, whichever is greater,
and also may recover punitive damages, litigation costs, and attorney fees. S.C. Code
Ann. § 17-30-135.
Another South Carolina statute makes it a misdemeanor to eavesdrop or be a “Peeping
Tom” on the premises of another. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-17-470. The term “Peeping Tom”
includes using video or audio equipment to invade the privacy of others. However, the
statute does not apply to bona fide newsgathering activities. S.C. Code Ann. § 16-17470(E)(5).
An intermediate appellate court held that the “Peeping Tom” statute was not applicable
to newspaper reporters who attempted to overhear city council proceedings during a
closed executive session because the reporters were on public property—not the
premises of another—and did nothing “to enable them to overhear what was going on in
the executive session other than to wait in the place provided as a waiting room for
reporters and other members of the public.” Neither the overhearing nor the publication
of anything overheard violated the South Carolina statute. Herald Publishing Co. v.
Barnwell, 351 S.E.2d 878 (S.C. App. 1986).
TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 119 > § 2511
§ 2511. Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited
(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter any person who— (a) intentionally intercepts,
endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept, any wire, oral,
or electronic communication;
(b) intentionally uses, endeavors to use, or procures any other person to use or endeavor to use any
electronic, mechanical, or other device to intercept any oral communication when—
(i) such device is affixed to, or otherwise transmits a signal through, a wire, cable, or other like
connection used in wire communication; or
(ii) such device transmits communications by radio, or interferes with the transmission of such
communication; or
(iii) such person knows, or has reason to know, that such device or any component thereof has
been sent through the mail or transported in interstate or foreign commerce; or
(iv) such use or endeavor to use (A) takes place on the premises of any business or other
commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign commerce; or (B)
obtains or is for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the operations of any business
or other commercial establishment the operations of which affect interstate or foreign commerce;
or
(v) such person acts in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any
territory or possession of the United States;
(c) intentionally discloses, or endeavors to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, oral, or
electronic communication, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through
the interception of a wire, oral, or electronic communication in violation of this subsection;
(d) intentionally uses, or endeavors to use, the contents of any wire, oral, or electronic communication,
knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire,
oral, or electronic communication in violation of this subsection; or
(e) (i) intentionally discloses, or endeavors to disclose, to any other person the contents of any wire, oral,
or electronic communication, intercepted by means authorized by sections 2511 (2)(a)(ii), 2511 (2)(b)–(c),
2511(2)(e), 2516, and 2518 of this chapter,
(ii) knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of such
a communication in connection with a criminal investigation,
(iii) having obtained or received the information in connection with a criminal investigation, and
(iv) with intent to improperly obstruct, impede, or interfere with a duly authorized criminal investigation,
shall be punished as provided in subsection (4) or shall be subject to suit as provided in subsection (5).
(whoever violates subsection (1) of this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than
five years, or both.)
Developing Questions (5.2)
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An interview is all about the questions
Specificity
Coax interviewee to open up
Be prepared and well-versed on the issues
Practice saying the questions aloud
Preparation
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FIRST - Determine the goals of your interview.
What kind of information do you need?
Factual? Reaction? Emotional?
Research the issues thoroughly?
Has your interviewee made any statements
about the issues in the past?
• How much personal information on your
interviewee is available?
• Write your questions down (split page method)
Practice
• Practice your questions aloud.
• Use a practice interviewee, if possible.
• You will feel more at ease, and seem more
professional.
• Be yourself; do not imitate other reporters.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Ask questions designed to produce:
- insightful responses
- depth
- humor
- anecdotes
THE CONDUCT OF THE INTERVIEW
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Save the toughest questions for last.
Don’t ask questions with one-word responses.
Ask open-ended questions.
Remain flexible; go with the flow.
Observe your interviewee’s office; ask questions about what you
see.
Ask the interviewee to slow down so your notes will be accurate.
Ask, “Did I miss anything?” or “Is there something you would like to
add?”
Be mindful of body language.
Keep good notes, even if you use a tape recorder.
Maintain eye contact as much as possible.
Sit across from your subject.
Types of Interviews
• Phoner – over the telephone
• In person – face to face encounter on their
turf
• eMail – over the internet
Reducing The Interview to Writing
• Narrative – best format for hard news that
focuses on facts and events
• Question and Answer – best format when
the focus is on the personality (the
interviewee)
The Impact of the Internet on the
News: Music Reporters
Textbook, page 123
• Technical side – terrestrial radio, satellite
radio, electronics, downloads vs. streaming,
wireless and mobile music
• Business side – publishers, agents,
producers, owners, satellite radio, downloads
vs. streaming music, online music stores
• Legal Side – CD piracy, publisher’s rights vs.
artist’s rights
• Historical side – genre: jazz, rock, rap
Journalism – Mr. White - Music Review Assignment
Each and every individual student in this class will hand write (do not type) a
one page of college rule notebook paper minimum (it can be more than one
page) review of a CD released within the past 6 months. It must be singlespaced, not double-spaced. You should conduct enough research to
include as many as possible of the following items in your review: (1) what
inspired or influenced the artist; (2) who wrote the music and lyrics; (3) who
produced the CD; (4) the release date; (5) sales figures; (6) genre – reggae,
metal, adult contemporary, pop, etc.; (7) the best song on the CD; (8) the
weakest song on the CD; and (9) any buzz or gossip about the artist or
band. At the beginning of class on Monday, the class will organize into
groups of four. Each group will decide which group member has written the
best review. Each student will turn in his or her review at the end of class
on Monday. On Tuesday, the student who wrote the best review (or
another member of the group, if he or she is too shy) will play one track of
the CD in class, and then read the review aloud. Below you will find some
websites to examine for your research:
http://www.billboard.com/new-releases#/new-releases
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews
http://www.npr.org/sections/music-reviews/
http://www.allmusic.com/
http://sputnikmusic.com/
Caveat: All inappropriate language must be censored, masked, or
redacted. This includes overt references to inappropriate sexual behavior,
violence, etc. If you have any doubt about specific language, then it is most
likely inappropriate.
Music Review Assignment
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Each and every student will work alone to write a music review covering a newly
released CD. For a perfect grade, this review must touch upon all five areas:
technical, business, legal, and historical. After you have finished writing, you will join
your group, and read it aloud to them. The best article from each group will be read
aloud to the class.
Ask yourself the following questions while doing your research:
What were the artist’s influences?
Is there anything unique about this sound?
Were any special audio equipment or effects employed?
What is the target demographic for this music?
What genre is this music?
What is the overarching theme(s) of the CD?
Who wrote the songs?
Who produced the CD?
What company is publishing or distributing the CD?
Which is the best song on the CD?
Which song on the CD is the worst?
How is the CD available? (retail stores, iTunes, Amazon, Napster)
Music Review Assignment
Group Presentation
• Organize into groups of 4+
• Share your music review with your group
• Group members should choose the best of
all individual music reviews
• The best music review will be read aloud
to the class, and a sample of the music
played for the class
• All individual music reviews will be turned
into Mr. White for a grade
Chapter 5.3: Conducting the Interview
Textbook, pages 124-139
3 Types of Interviews
• People love to be interviewed
• They love to share opinions, knowledge
and skill
• In-Person Interviews
• Phoners
• eMail Interviews
Different Interviewing Styles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzmHREl0LYA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqOc6LnGPls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znsXA2aTXC
E&feature=related
In Person Interviews
• In-Person Interviews
• Phoners
• eMail Interviews
In Person Interviews
• Tip #1: Dress Appropriately
In Person Interviews
• Tip #2: Start with a smile, a handshake,
and a thank you.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #3: Treat your time together as a
business meeting.
• Arrive with the proper tools, and with a
polite, professional manner.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #4: Take notes, but make eye contact
and show that you are listening carefully.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #5: Don’t make a long speech when
you ask a question.
• KISS
• Be inquisitive, but neutral.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #6: Remember the Basics.
• Confirm name spelling, curriculum vitae.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #7: When you are finished, thank your
interview subject again.
• Let them know you will call back if you
need more information.
In-Person Interviews
• Tip #8: After the interview, call to thank
everyone involved.
Phoners
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Deadline driven profession.
Access to anyone, anywhere in the world.
No eye contact.
No body language.
Phoners
• Tip #1: Use a friendly, upbeat voice.
Phoners
• Tip #2: Ask your subject if he or she is in a
good place, at a good time to be interviewed.
Phoners
• Tip #3: Begin by thanking your subject for
his or her time.
• Mirror responses.
Phoners
• When you have asked all of your
questions, end with, “Is there anything you
would like to add?”
eMail Interviews
• Increasing in popularity.
• Gives subject time to craft
response, consult others.
• Tone is lost.
• Quotes more accurate.
• Record remains.
• Giving time to craft response is fair.
Preparing to Write from the Interview
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Transcribe tapes (or important portions)
Review notes
Highlight quotations and anecdotes
Decide type of story – news or feature
Decide format – Q & A or Straight Write
Through
• Verify all facts
Opening News vs. Feature Stories
• News Story: open with most important
points
• Feature: open with attention-grabbing
anecdote
Straight Write Through
In First Person
What It Feels Like
Whether Its News or Feature…
• Use specifics and details from your observations
• Good Example: George Clooney has dark eyes,
salt-and-pepper hair, and a smile that was made
for the movie screen.
• Bad Example: George Clooney is good looking.
The Question and Answer Format
• Written in the form of a reporter asking a question and then the
source answering that question.
Example:
Reporter: How do you explain your odd clothing – the cat vests, the
nurse’s scrubs, and all of that?
Jordan: Well, I’ve always enjoyed eating paint chips. Maybe that
accounts for some of it.
Reporter: Why are you getting a portrait of Thomas Vreeland
tattooed on your neck?
Jordan: I am a great admirer of his work. He is a performance
artist, a raconteur, and a world class elk hunter. I have always
believed that when you get someone’s likeness tattooed onto your
neck, you absorb a piece of his or her soul. I want part of his soul.
Reporter: Don’t you have to be eighteen years old to get a tattoo?
Jordan: I am a cross-dimensional organism. In one of the four
lives I am currently living simultaneously, I am a sixty-two year old
greeter at Wal-Mart who suffers from chronic toenail fungus.
Question and Answer Format
• Modifying quotations for clarity
• OK to take our unnecessary words so that
the subject can be understood
Examples:
Uh…
You know…
Like…
Read-Backs
• When a reporter reads a portion of the
story he or she is working on to the source
to get feedback on accuracy.
• Purpose is to check for accuracy fo the
facts, not for editing content or style.
• You don’t have to change anything, unless
it is inaccurate.
Q&A Interview Assignment
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Choose one subject from this class to interview.
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Cover one of the following topics:
What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?
What is the saddest thing that ever happened to you.
What is the greatest thing you ever did?
Describe the happiest day of your life.
What is the most frightening thing that ever happened to you?
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Get a general summary of the story from your interview subject. Step away. Formulate
questions designed to bring out important details in the story. Conduct a formal
interview. Take good notes from this interview.
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Hand write a one-page minimum (it can be more) interview in Q&A format.
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Turn the interview in with your interview notes.
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Make sure all writing is legible.
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Make sure your first and last name is written at the top of every page you turn in.