Citizen Journalists Changing The World One Article At A Time

Citizen Journalists - Get Out There and Get That Interview!

There's no doubt about it; traditional journalism is changing. You and I are on the cusp of seeing one style of journalistic process give way to another. It has to happen because traditional models for printed news are becoming dinosaurs in a journalistic world where news can be updated more frequently, freelanced more easily, and disseminated more cost effectively.

One of the most significant changes that is taking place is the way that journalists are conducting the interview process. Jeff Jarvis of City University in New York warns that reporters are no longer going to be allowed to control and even manipulate the interview process as they have in the past. This is because the options for obtaining and broadcasting a story are becoming plentiful and "sources" now have options that preclude the necessity for the traditional interview. It's his take, of course. But if he's right, then journalistic icons are going to have to prove that "old dogs can learn new tricks."

Scott Rosenberg, founder of Salon.com, suggests that some of the "icons" from the last generation of journalists have used the interview process as an opportunity to manipulate and trap their sources while exacting the information they're looking for. If he's right, then journalism needs to take one giant step in the direction of offering sources more control. They need to be given an opportunity to pick and choose what they want to share.

Perhaps this is where citizen journalism will get to strut its stuff. Here's the thing: You may be too green to have developed the artifices of the game, yet end up conducting a really great interview; one that's fresh and free of the proverbial cattle prod.

If like me, you're a new brand of journalist, you may still be finding your voice and a platform of your own from which to speak. Even so, there exists a code of ethics that must be adhered to if you plan on distinguishing yourself, not as wild card, but as a reporter who can conduct himself with integrity.

Whether you are a traditionalist or relatively new to journalism, you still have the responsibility to conduct your interview along four salient lines.

1. You need to conduct yourself with integrity and make "telling the truth" your byline.
2. You need to respect others in your field as well as your sources. Stepping on others has never been a good way to get ahead.
3. You need to sell out to no one, and be committed to the truth, even when it's hard.
4. You need to be a person of your word and be willing to allow others to hold you accountable.

These sound familiar? They should. They are the ethical principles adhered to voluntarily by close to 10,000 members of The Society of Professional Journalists. Think of them as the bedrock of journalistic reporting.

So what about the ABC's of the reporter's interview? Well guess what? You don't just get an A, B, and C, but a D and E as well.

A. Research is the first step in laying the groundwork for an interview. You can gain a considerable amount of information through public records, old publications, and the library. Need some more specific ideas? How about checking out city hall, old newspapers and journals? Don't forget basic reference books. A good rule of thumb is, "don't end up asking your source questions that you could have gotten answered by doing your homework beforehand."

You may only have a vague idea of what your article will look like before you start your research. During your investigation you'll amass interesting pieces of historical significance, pertinent facts, and even biographical information. All of these will help you determine the angle of your story. You may even stumble upon a great hook or teaser to launch your article when you are ready to write.

B. Now it's time to consider what type of piece you are going to write. If it's going to be an editorial, perhaps an op-ed, then you will be writing from one perspective, one person's opinion. It will be yours in all likelihood, unless you are only going to write a piece that reflects the opinion of your publisher or another editor. If you're reporting on a start-up non-profit or a community program, you'll be doing the work of a real investigative reporter. That means you'll be hunting for facts, not opinions. If you're fortunate enough to produce a piece that has heart and an emotional hook, you might end up as a feature story. Identifying what type of article you plan to write will be a determining factor in who you interview and what kinds of questions you ask.

C. It's generally good to choose more than one, but not more than three or four sources to interview. Choose individuals that are the most likely to have the information you need. If you are interviewing multiple sources, aim for diversity so that you will get not just one, but several potential angles.

D. You should show up for the interview with a short list of questions that you have strategically chosen based upon the information you are looking for. Use open-ended questions; queries that can't be answered with just a "yes" or a "no." These will engage your source and start a flow of information that is flavored with his character and opinions. If you're "old school," loosen up the reigns a bit and give the person you are interviewing the opportunity to speak more freely; tell his story, his way. You may be surprised at some of the gems you'll unearth.

If you're catching the new wave as a part of the next generation of citizen journalists, make sure you do have specific questions that will provide some structure to your interview. Less control in the field is good, but don't be guilty of flying by the seat of your pants. While you're at, brush up on the journalist's code and conduct the interview in a professional manner worthy of your title of "Citizen Journalist."

E. Keep accurate notes. Don't rely on your memory because memories can become distorted when run through the interviewer's filter. If you hear something truly amazing that you'd like to capture on paper just like it's been said, write it down, word for word. If you plan to quote your source, you need to do it accurately.

Okay, the interview's over. What's next? Now it's time to write your piece. You say you need help? Sorry. I only deliver what's on the truck. If you don't know how to begin putting your words together, I suggest a basic journalism course. While you're at it, read some of the pieces that have been written by the Hall of Famers in journalism. Interviewing techniques aside, some of them are stellar writers.

A, B, C, D, and E; what comes next? "F" does. And it stands for "finish what you've started." So go on. Get out there and get that interview. One last thing; don't forget me when you make it in the big time.

The Suggestion Box

Hey, journalists!  I'm open to suggestions about ways to improve this zone.  If you come up with any fantastic ideas, contact me through Helium or leave me a comment below.  Thanks!!