Interviewing for Journalists

This text discusses the central journalistic skill of how to ask the right question in the right way. It is a practical guide for all print journalists - professionals, students and trainees - whether writing news stories or features for newspapers and periodicals.

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Interviewing for Journalists details the central journalistic skill of how to ask the right question in the right way. It is a practical and concise guide for all print journalists - professionals, students and trainees - whether writing news stories or features for newspapers and periodicals. Interviewing for Journalists focuses on the many types of interviewing, from the routine street interview, vox pop and press conference to the interview used as the basis of an in-depth profile. Drawing on previously published material and featuring interviews with a number of successful writers and columnists, Interviewing for Journalists covers every stage of interviewing including research, planning and preparation, structuring questions, the vital importance of body language, how to get a vivid quote, checking material and editing it into various formats.
Interviewing for Journalists includes: * a discussion about the significance and importance of the interview for journalism * advice on how to handle different interviewees such as politicians, celebrities and vulnerable people * how to carry out the telephone interview * tips on note-taking and recording methods including shorthand * a discussion of ethical, legal and professional issues such as libel, doorstepping, off-the-record briefings and the limits of editing * a glossary of journalistic terms and notes on further reading.