by Jaimela King

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

The Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, is very clear on what is considered appropriate journalistic behavior. The code empowers journalists to act independently, minimize harm, seek the truth and report it, and be accountable in the process. The code should be a guide when preparing for, finding sources, and conducting an interview. Journalism is a creative profession that allows the journalist freedom to interpret events as he sees it. Interviewing is at the core of this activity.

Before the Interview

Prepare. While it is not always possible to prepare fully for every interview, you should always make this an essential step in the interviewing process. You can obtain information about the subject by reading any related articles, documents, police reports, witness statements, searching your own archives and acquiring information from associates in the field. Find out all you can about the person or persons you will be interviewing and ask for supporting documents and additional sources that they may be able to provide you with.

At the Interview site

Arrive early so you can get a feel for the place where your subject works or lives. Look around, make mental notes of anything the will add to your story or generate new interview questions. Be friendly and polite and try to engage co-workers or family and friends you may encounter. That nosey neighbor peering over the fence may be just what you need to add some spice to your story. This is also an ideal time to get input from the subject concerning seating arrangements, to set the guidelines for the interview, and for clarifying the interview topic.

During the interview

This is the critical part of getting your story. Keep your code of ethics firmly in your mind during the course of the interview as a reminder when asking questions and conducting yourself. Here are some more specific ABC's

1. Place the interviewer at ease. A little off-the-record dialogue about the weather, work or life, will serve to engage the subject and break the ice and create an atmosphere of trust. You can come up with your own creative ways to do this.

2. Get the basics. This is what you are here to do but even though you may have a list of set questions to ask, there are many more that you could ask to give you a better picture . Don't be afraid to probe further and explore something that could add a different spin to your story.

3. Be flexible. You would have come to the interview

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