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.