The document provides guidance for reporters on fundamentals of reporting including personality traits, interview techniques, organizing information, and managing tight deadlines. Reporters are advised to be curious, skeptical listeners who absorb information quickly and use the medium effectively. When interviewing sources, reporters should clarify whether the information is on background, off the record, or on the record. They are also advised to get definitions of jargon, avoid yes/no questions, and put energy into questions. When working on tight deadlines, reporters should anticipate events, know where to find informed opinions, make early calls, keep interviews short and focused, and budget their time well.
1. Reporting
Some things change
when you grab the microphone,
but the fundamentals remain the same
2. Personality and Skills
• Curious
• Skeptical
• Listens for the truth
• Listens well and completely
• Absorbs information quickly
• Uses the medium effectively
• Does everything possible to avoid making
mistakes
3. Getting people on tape
• On background
– You can use the information, but don’t
attribute them by name
• Off the record
– Can print neither the information not the name
• On the record
– Can print information and attribute it to the
source
4. Getting great actualities
• Tell the subject you’ll be bringing a
microphone
• Play dumb
– Tell your subject to imagine they’re speaking
to a smart, but easily distracted, high school
student
• Ask for definitions of jargon your listeners
won’t understand
• Avoid insider conversations
5. Getting great actualities
• Avoid “yes/no” and “either/or” questions
• Get people to use analogs to explain
technical subjects
– Especially useful with abstract scientific or
political concepts
• Put energy into your questions
– You want the person to be in full bloom
• Get your questions on tape
• Interview the person’s critics first so they can
respond
• Get out of the person’s office
6. Working on tight deadlines
• Anticipate events whenever possible
• Know where to find people who can give
informed opinions
• Make your calls early
• Keep your interviews short and focused
• Put actualities in a logical order
• Keep the story structure simple and
straightforward
• Budget your time
8. Good questions
• What was the happiest moment of your life
• What are you most proud of?
• What are the most important lessons you've
learned in life?
• What is your earliest memory?
• How would you like to be remembered?
9. Reporting
Some things change
when you grab the microphone,
but the fundamentals remain the same