I wanted to say something about a recent interview I did for a story. It was for a profile on a member of the student activity fee board that also had information about the board too. First of all, it was very frustrating trying to track these people down, and secondly it was hard to get them to tell me the things I wanted to know.
My source for the club is a girl named Nichole, and she is an interesting person in many ways. I poked and prodded her brain, trying to get information about her as a person and how she fits in with her fellow members on the board. She was very down to earth when I spoke to her and seemed to have an artistic view of everything, which is not surprising since she is an art major.
When it was all said and done, I was putting away my recorder and capping my pen when she asked me, “well, tell ME something now…” I cocked my head to the side and asked her what she wanted to know. She told me she had just poured her thoughts out for me to hear and now wanted me to tell her some of my thoughts. I was very confused at this point because I wasn’t sure what she wanted me to talk about: Myself, the weather, what I thought about her job (or mine for that matter). I finally ended up giving her feedback on who I thought she was and how I thought she had a unique approach to her job on the board. She was pleased, I think, and went on her way.
The point of my little story is this: as journalists are we subject to questioning from our sources? I think we are. It is important to have answers for questions and not just questions that need answers when we’re out on those front lines seeking the truth. We need to know why were asking a question and be able to answer questions from our sources when they need clarification. I am not saying we need to prostrate ourselves to our sources and simply believe and agree with everything they say; but there needs to be a kind of respect between the two people. We need to be accountable for what we ask and be courteous to our sources when they ask for feedback.
Do you agree with me or am I crazy?
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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1 comments:
I think it's a good thing when people you're interviewing asks questions about you. Getting a story is about starting a conversation most of the time. Asking a few questions humanizes the journalist and may help your interview open up. The people become acquaintances and then hopefully sources for further stories. Good job Matt!
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