Common Practices for Journalists Settling Questions with Interviewees Before the Interview

Introduction

Journalism, as a vital component of the media ecosystem, relies heavily on effective communication and transparency. A key element of this is the pre-interview preparation and the settlement of specific questions with interviewees. This article explores the common practice of setting questions in advance of an interview, examining factors such as the type of interview, the relationship between journalist and interviewee, the context surrounding the interview, and ethical considerations.

Types of Interviews and Pre-Interview Discussions

The type of interview can greatly influence whether and how pre-interview discussions take place. In feature interviews or profiles, journalists often have more extensive discussions with their subjects. These conversations serve to clarify topics, establish the tone, and ensure that both parties have aligned expectations. In contrast, news interviews may be more spontaneous and less detailed in terms of pre-interview preparation.

Established relationships between journalists and interviewees can further amplify the nature of these pre-interview discussions. Journalists with long-standing relationships might delve into more detailed discussions about the topics to be covered. This allows for a more nuanced and deeply personal interview, as both parties have a shared understanding of each other's perspectives.

Interviews related to sensitive subjects might involve more pre-interview discussions to ensure comfort and clarity. This is particularly true in cases where the subject matter is deeply personal or controversial. Clear communication can help alleviate any potential discomfort and ensure that the interview proceeds smoothly.

Ethical Considerations and Standards

Journalists often adhere to ethical guidelines that emphasize transparency and honesty. These guidelines can significantly influence how much they share regarding the interview content. For instance, many journalists believe that sharing information about the topics to be covered or even submitting questions in advance can contribute to a more collaborative and transparent interview process.

Some journalists prioritize thoughtful and introspective answers from interviewees, which can be encouraged by giving subjects time to think about the topics beforehand. Others prefer a more natural and spontaneous flow, believing that questions generated on the spot can lead to the most engaging and revealing answers. This approach is particularly common in conversational and feature-style interviews where the dialogue is more fluid and less structured.

Practical Insights from Journalists

Personal experiences of working journalists offer valuable insights into the common practices surrounding pre-interview question-setting. As I worked as a journalist for nearly 40 years, I never engaged in pre-interview question-setting unless it was with celebrities or politicians. Many interview subjects in these fields might request question approval in advance or demand that certain topics are not discussed. However, I found that such approaches often resulted in less dynamic and engaging interviews.

Another journalist shared their perspective: "If you are talking about TV news, I don’t know the answer to that." This highlights the variability in journalistic practices across different media platforms and contexts. Television news interviews may have more rigid structures, necessitating a greater degree of pre-interview preparation.

Components of Pre-Interview Question-Setting

For those who do adopt the practice of setting questions in advance, the process can serve several important purposes:

Thoughtful Answers: Allowing interview subjects time to think about the topics can lead to more thoughtful and considered responses.

Starting Point for Conversation: Pre-provided questions can serve as a starting point for a more natural and engaging conversation.

Scripted vs. Speaks: Submitting questions ahead of time can sometimes lead to more scripted and less genuine answers. However, these can still serve as a valuable starting point for genuine discussion.

Conclusion

While pre-interview question-setting is not uncommon and can be beneficial in many cases, the approach ultimately varies based on the journalist's style, the subject matter, and the interviewee's preferences. Ethical guidelines and the nature of the interview itself play significant roles in shaping this practice. Whether to engage in pre-interview preparation is a decision that reflects the balance between thorough preparation and maintaining the authenticity and spontaneity of the interview.