Dear fellow broadcasters,

It has been a busy year for me. I’ve settled into my new shift at KINK Radio as news director and afternoon co-host. It's a big commitment for the station to offer news coverage for mornings and afternoons, and we're working on providing more long-form interviews. I've interviewed Teresa Heinz Kerry, Howard Dean and John Edwards, all interviews that would have been impossible on the bleary eyed 2:30 a.m. shift. I'm also contributing to Portland Monthly. My first feature piece, on Bobby Kennedy Jr., is slated to run this April. (Cross platforming that interview was extremely rewarding.) 

Now that you know what’s up with me, here is what this edition has in store for you: I’ve included nine tips on interview techniques that “go for the heart.” Follow these tips to get that zinger sound bite or quote, collect everything you need for a well-rounded, moving story and impress news directors in the process. I’ve found great deals on two broadcasting books I thought you would be interested in, and have posted descriptions of the books and links to the discounts at Powells.com. You’ll also find recent broadcast job openings at the bottom of this e-mail.

Keep the airwaves pure,

Sheila Hamilton

Writing for Radio and Television

NW Journalism Conference faculty

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TIP OF THE MONTH FROM SHEILA HAMILTON: Interview techniques that go for the heart

One of the most common questions I get from students is how to prepare for, and conduct, the kind of interview that elicits memorable responses. This is my personal preparation plan, one that I think benefits every type of reporter:

1) Do your research. This means pulling mp3 files of interviews your subject has done in the past, reading articles and talking to your subject's friends, colleagues and family. I don't believe you can be over-prepared for an interview.

2) Formulate your most important questions, and think about your most interesting questions. Then, put your notes away. Once an interview has begun, the questions you ask should bounce off what the subject has just told you. If you are too concerned about your next question, instead of listening to the subject's response, the interview will fail.

3) Uncover who your subjects really are. Often times the people we interview have been in front of a camera or reporter so many times that it takes something offbeat or unexpected to get them to show their true selves. But, if the person you are interviewing has never been interviewed before, take the time to make them feel comfortable. Talk about the things they like to do. Nothing substitutes for a reporter's natural curiosity about the subject or their passion.

4) Explain the process to your interview subjects. Tell them how long the interview takes, how the editing process works and what they can expect (roughly) in terms of length of air time or space.

5) Don't forget the basics: who, what, where, when and why. Ask your subject why they wanted to be interviewed. Ask what they are expecting to communicate. Many reporters tend to overlook the most obvious way to elicit enthusiasm: let the person being interviewed talk about what motivated them to talk to you.

6) Avoid the most overused and dull question ever invented, “Tell me how that made you feel…” Ugh! If you're looking for the interior reaction of the person you are interviewing, try framing it in a way that goes for substance: Do you remember where you were when you first heard the news?  What did you do -- physically? What did you say?  Did you have anything in your life prior to compare this experience to? 

7) Don't be afraid to ask the person whether you've missed something, or whether they have something to add to the interview that you might have overlooked. Nine times out of 10, this is the zinger sound bite or quote. The reason is that the subject is usually looser by the end of the interview, and more able to communicate the heart of the information.

8) Always ask if there is anyone else you could talk to for your story. If the person you've interviewed knows how to take you further into your story, this is the point at which they will share. As long as you've been honest, sincere and genuinely curious, you’ll have the well-rounded story you need to impress news directors.

9) Remember one last important lesson: None of the above techniques will work if you haven't learned how to listen. The most profound moments of intimacy -- in print, radio and television -- come when two people are really communicating. That means one person is talking and one is listening. The listener should always be you.  

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Your online filing cabinet:

This month’s featured article: Digging for the concrete and the specific. For other articles in your filing cabinet, go to www.nw2004.com/writing_radio_television.htm.

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ADDITIONAL READS:

“Better Broadcast Writing, Better Broadcast News (05 Edition)”

by Greg Dobbs

This 272-page text walks readers through how to write with the conversational simplicity required for radio and TV. It includes broadcast writing tips and techniques, the difference between television and radio broadcasting, production, shooting and editing in the field, ethics, and career issues. Buy it for $16.50 off the cover price at this Powells.com link.

“Warp Speed: America in the Age of Mixed Media”

by Bill Kovach

Grounded in extensive research, Warp Speed is informed by interviews and testimony from the principal journalists who covered the great scandals of Washington politics. Co-authors Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, two of America's leading press watchers, explore the new culture of news -- in which the speed of delivery is reducing the time for verification, sources are gaining more leverage over the news, and argument is overwhelming reporting -- and show how it works. Buy it for $7.95 to $9.95 now at this Powells.com link.

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RECENT JOB OPENINGS

REPORTER: A Northwestern United States reporter is needed to produce and edit stories that break through the clutter. This is not an entry level position. Experience, not counting internships, is a must. Applicants should have the ability to operate as a one-man band as needed; a background in producing a newscast is desired, but not required. Please send resume and tape to: Attn: Reporter Search (Nicole Newsome), RTNDA, 1600 K St., NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20006. Posted Jan. 4 at rtnda.org.

You’ll also find other jobs at http://www.journalismjobs.com/Search_Jobs.cfm?Media=TV&IndustryID=2,3, including:

NEWS WRITER: KPIX-TV (CBS Channel 5) in San Francisco is looking for a full-time news writer to write news stories according to station policies, editorial style and format standards; coordinate video editing, as well as assist in production of assigned segments for newscasts; assist in production, and occasionally produce newscasts, breaking news, cut-ins and special reports; and evaluate sources and contacts. Applicants must have two years of television news writing experience, hands-on experience with AP Newscenter or equivalent newsroom computer system and familiarity with feed services such as CBS Newspath and APTN. Submit cover letter and resume to: KPIX Human Resources, Attn: Writer Position, 855 Battery St., San Francisco, CA 94111. Fax: (415) 765-8796. Apply by Feb. 11 with Job ID 442587. wwwjournalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=442587

REPORTER: KRON 4 News (Young Broadcasting of San Francisco) is looking for a full-time reporter responsible for finding, researching and producing stories for various news broadcasts. Applicants must maintain up-to-date knowledge of current local, national and international news and conduct interviews with news sources both live and on tape. Degree in communications or related field preferred; knowledge of technology and business a plus; three years broadcasting experience a must. Apply by Feb. 7 with job ID 458873. Mail resume, cover letter and non-returnable demo reel to: KRON 4, 1040 O’Farrell, San Francisco, CA 94109, ATTN: News Director. wwwjournalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=458873

CASUAL NEWS PRODUCER: KPIX-TV (CBS Channel 5) in San Francisco is looking for someone to produce two early-evening weekend newscasts per week. Aside from determining news content in conjunction with assignment editor, reporters and management supervisor, this position also writes and produces in-show teases and pre-broadcast promotional spots, conceptualizes and orders graphics, and assists in the airing of breaking news as needed. Some weekday casual writer shifts possible, but not guaranteed. Requires at least one year of full-time experience producing commercial TV newscasts and at least one year of full-time experience as a TV news writer. Apply by Feb. 7. Send resume to: Human Resources, KPIX, 855 Battery St., San Francisco, CA 94111. Fax: (415) 765-8796. wwwjournalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=360225

ASSIGNMENT DESK MANAGER: KUSA-TV (9News) in Denver seeks a full-time assignment desk manager to manage assignment desk personnel in planning new stories for the day and for larger news event coverage. This position organizes and executes the morning editorial meeting and works with reporters and photographers on daily and long range story assignments. Requires two to five years of assignment desk experience or management in television news; college degree preferred. Applicant must have the ability to access information quickly using a variety of resources, such as the Internet, source contacts, tips and reporter information. Apply by Feb. 7. Send resume to 9News, Attn: VP/News Director, 500 Speer Blvd., Denver, CO 80005. E-mail: careers@9news.com. wwwjournalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=458878

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER/EDITOR: KGO-TV (ABC7) in San Francisco has an immediate opening for an experienced, highly creative and motivated photojournalist who is also capable of operating an ENG truck (click here for an article on the changes in ENG technology). Apply by Jan. 27. wwwjournalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=423564

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