INTERVIEW- PROCESS AND SIGNIFICANCE

By Uzma Aleem & Anum Mahmood MASS COMMUNICATION DEPTT.

INTERVIEW:
According to Harcup; An interview is the basic ingredient of news and features involving the asking of questions and recording of answers either in writing (preferably using shorthand) or on tape depending on the medium.

 Interviews are the life blood of

journalism  They add authority and detail to any news item, feature or article.  The main purpose is to elicit information and grant respect to those from whom that information is sought.

MEDIUM FOR INTERVIEWS

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERVIEWS FOR TV, RADIO AND PRINT.

THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS

there are no clear or rigid guidelines to conduct an interview but certain things are to be kept in mind and they form the basis of the interviewing process.

IDENTIFYING THE STORY

The first and most basic rule is to know the story.  It is always a good idea to discuss the story with the editor.  Important to select the right subject matter.  Remember there is always more than one way to approach a story.

FINDING THE RIGHT INTERVIEWEE

First priority is to find the right interviewee. Make sure about who you want to talk to and how important they are to the story. First hand testimony is essential to the story. It is always a good idea to try and meet the people at the scene of the story.

FORMULATING THE QUESTIONS

Always refer to the five main questions who?, when?, what?, where?, why? as an ideal starting point. Think out of the box. It is wise to chat through a range of questions with your interviewee. You must have a very clear idea in your mind about what part of the story you want to talk about.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The most important part of the interview is the time you have with the person you are interviewing before it starts. It gives you the chance to bond. It is important to maintain eye contact in a confident and sympathetic manner and be polite at all times.  Be friendly and approachable.

CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW

 An interview for a newspaper gives you slightly more freedom  Be very good with your shorthand and it is advisable to record your interviews with Dictaphones.  The reporter may ask the source to repeat some information or to make certain that the quotation is precise.  Speaking off the record helps the reporter to get a more intimate feel of the story.

IMPORTANT POINTS FOR INTERVIEWING

Interview being an extremely practical endeavor it is necessary to consider the accumulated advice of the veterans in this field.

Almost never plunge in with tough questions at the beginning. Ask questions that are relevant to the source and that induce the source to talk. Watch and listen closely to his reactions and test his reflexes. Do not give up a question because the subject says no comments. Be alert to best quotes and facts.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERVIEWING
The purpose of any interview is to extract information. But its also giving the viewer, reader or listener an idea of how people feel.

CONCLUSION
 Interviewing is a talent that needs hard work, practice and experience. The best thing that you can do at the early stages of your career is to make sure that your research is as good as it can be, that you have some grasp of the story you are covering.  A successful interview is one in which both parties feel theyve been involved in a process that has enabled the right information to be communicated.

THE END.