Use of interviews in radio news

Use of interviews in radio news

Role of Interviews in Radio News

Definition and Purpose

  • An interview is a conversation between a journalist and a source, usually recorded and later broadcasted on a radio news program.
  • Interviews can be used to gather first-hand information, authoritative statements, analysis, or opinions about a particular topic.
  • They add depth and diversity to news coverage, presenting different perspectives, and personalities that can enhance listener engagement.

Types of Interviews

  • Live interviews are conducted in real-time, often on-air, and engage listeners through an element of immediacy and unpredictability.
  • Prerecorded interviews provide opportunities for editing, fact-checking and polishing the content to ensure accuracy and coherence.
  • The choice between live or recorded largely depends on the urgency of the news, the availability of the interviewee, and the station’s policy or practice.

Structure of Interviews

  • An interview usually starts with an introduction, followed by a series of questions, and ends with a conclusion or summary.
  • Effective interviews are structured but retain a degree of flexibility to follow interesting new leads that may emerge during the conversation.

Crafting Questions

  • Questions should be clear, concise, and designed to elicit informative and engaging responses. Complex or leading questions can risk confusing or alienating the interviewee.
  • Open-ended questions allow for more detailed responses, while closed questions can be helpful to establish facts or confirmation.

Ethical Considerations

  • Interviewers should treat interviewees respectfully and fairly, regardless of personal views about the individual or the matter being discussed.
  • It’s important to uphold truth, accuracy and impartiality, by verifying claims made by the interviewee and providing the right of reply if someone is criticised.
  • Privacy rights and potential harms or vulnerabilities of the interviewee should also be accounted for.

Effect of Interviews on Audiences

  • Interviews provide a window to complex real-world issues, making them more accessible, relatable and engaging.
  • They enable audiences to hear directly from those involved or experts in the area, which can increase understanding, empathy, and even promote public discourse or action.
  • The expertise, candour, or charisma of an interviewee can greatly affect audience response or perceptions about the news topic.