Securing interviews with experts is a cornerstone of credible news reporting, but even seasoned journalists can stumble. These conversations, when done right, can add unparalleled depth and authority to your stories. But, what are the most common pitfalls that derail even the most promising expert interviews, transforming them from insightful exchanges into sources of misinformation or, worse, PR fluff?
Key Takeaways
- Always verify an expert’s credentials and affiliations independently, even if they are referred by a trusted source, to avoid promoting unqualified opinions.
- Prepare specific, open-ended questions tailored to the expert’s specialization to elicit insightful answers and avoid generic responses.
- Record all interviews and maintain detailed notes to ensure accurate quotes and contextual understanding, minimizing the risk of misrepresentation.
Failing to Verify Credentials
In the rush to meet deadlines, it’s tempting to take an expert’s claimed credentials at face value. Don’t. A flashy title or impressive-sounding organization doesn’t guarantee genuine expertise. I’ve seen too many reporters burned by “experts” whose qualifications were, shall we say, creatively embellished.
Always independently verify credentials. Check their educational background, publications, and affiliations. A quick search on Google Scholar can reveal if they’ve published in peer-reviewed journals. Contact the institutions they claim to be associated with. For example, if someone claims to be a leading economist at Georgia State University, a call to the Economics Department can confirm their position and scholarly work. Do your homework before the interview, not after. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Poorly Crafted Questions
Generic questions yield generic answers. If you ask an expert, “What are the biggest challenges facing the economy?” you’re likely to get a canned response that could have been pulled from any business blog. The goal is to elicit unique insights, not regurgitated talking points.
Instead, craft specific, open-ended questions tailored to the expert’s area of specialization. Instead of asking about general economic challenges, try: “Given the recent fluctuations in the Atlanta housing market and the increase in interest rates, what specific strategies can small business owners in the Old Fourth Ward use to mitigate potential financial risks?” This shows you’ve done your research and are seeking their specific expertise. What happens next will be much more interesting.
Inadequate Preparation and Research
Walking into an interview without adequate preparation is like navigating downtown Atlanta during rush hour without a GPS – you’re going to get lost. You need to understand the expert’s work, their perspective, and the relevant background information before you even pick up the phone.
Here’s what nobody tells you: Experts can tell when you haven’t done your homework. They can sense when you’re just skimming the surface. And trust me, they won’t be inclined to offer their best insights to someone who isn’t taking the interview seriously. Read their publications, review their previous interviews, and familiarize yourself with the key issues in their field. Come prepared with a list of well-researched questions that demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Doing this makes the expert much more likely to provide thoughtful, nuanced answers.
Failing to Record and Take Detailed Notes
Relying solely on memory during an interview is a recipe for disaster. Memories fade, details get distorted, and nuances are easily missed. Always record the interview (with the expert’s permission, of course). But recording alone isn’t enough. Take detailed notes as well. Jot down key phrases, specific data points, and any non-verbal cues that might be relevant.
Why both? Because recordings can fail (batteries die, files get corrupted), and notes provide a crucial backup. More importantly, notes force you to actively listen and process the information in real-time. They help you identify the most important points and formulate follow-up questions. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. A reporter interviewed a climate scientist about rising sea levels, but only took sparse notes. Later, when writing the article, they misattributed a quote, claiming the scientist predicted a much faster rate of sea-level rise than they actually did. This led to a retraction and damaged the reporter’s credibility. Don’t let that happen to you.
Misrepresenting Expert Opinions
This is a cardinal sin of journalism. Taking an expert’s words out of context, cherry-picking quotes to fit a pre-determined narrative, or distorting their meaning is unethical and can have serious consequences. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that misrepresentation of sources is a major driver of public distrust in the media. Don’t contribute to the problem. You can find more on this in our article about news narratives and their impact.
Here’s how to avoid misrepresentation:
- Provide Context: Always present quotes within the context of the broader conversation. Don’t isolate a single sentence and use it to support a claim that the expert didn’t intend.
- Seek Clarification: If you’re unsure about the meaning of something the expert said, ask for clarification. Don’t assume you know what they meant.
- Use Accurate Quotes: Double-check your quotes against the recording to ensure accuracy. Don’t paraphrase unless absolutely necessary, and always attribute paraphrased information to the expert.
Case Study: The Misinformation Meltdown
Last year, a local news outlet in Atlanta ran a story about the proposed redevelopment of the Turner Field area. The reporter interviewed a self-proclaimed “urban planning expert” who claimed the project would lead to massive gentrification and displacement of long-time residents. The article quoted the expert predicting a 50% increase in housing costs within two years. The problem? The reporter failed to verify the expert’s credentials. It turned out the “expert” was a real estate agent with no formal training in urban planning, and the 50% figure was pulled out of thin air. The article sparked outrage and fueled misinformation, ultimately damaging the reputation of the news outlet. The reporter should have consulted resources like the Atlanta Regional Commission for qualified urban planning professionals.
Failing to Ask Follow-Up Questions
Sometimes, the most valuable insights emerge not from the initial answer, but from the follow-up questions. Don’t be afraid to probe deeper, challenge assumptions, and ask for concrete examples. If an expert makes a sweeping statement, ask them to back it up with evidence. If they offer a complex explanation, ask them to simplify it. The goal is to get beyond the surface level and uncover the underlying truth. Too often, journalists are so focused on getting through their pre-prepared list of questions that they miss opportunities to explore interesting tangents or clarify ambiguous points. Be flexible, be curious, and be willing to deviate from the script. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Avoid these common pitfalls, and your interviews with experts will become a valuable asset, adding credibility and depth to your news reporting. It’s about more than just filling column inches; it’s about providing your audience with accurate, insightful information they can trust. In an era where it’s difficult to trust the news, these steps are vital. Also, don’t forget the importance of fact vs fiction for news pros.
How can I find credible experts for interviews?
Start by consulting university faculty directories, professional organizations, and industry associations. Look for individuals with published research, relevant experience, and a strong reputation in their field. Always verify their credentials independently.
What are some good questions to ask an expert?
Focus on specific, open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Ask about their research, their perspective on current events, and their predictions for the future. Avoid leading questions or questions that suggest a desired answer.
Is it okay to challenge an expert’s opinion?
Yes, but do so respectfully and with evidence to support your challenge. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions, but avoid being confrontational or dismissive. The goal is to stimulate a thoughtful discussion, not to win an argument.
What should I do if an expert provides inaccurate information?
If you discover that an expert has provided inaccurate information, correct it immediately. If the information is minor, you can simply correct it in the article. If the information is significant, you may need to issue a retraction or clarification.
How important is it to record expert interviews?
Recording expert interviews is extremely important for ensuring accuracy and avoiding misrepresentation. It allows you to review the conversation, verify quotes, and ensure that you have accurately captured the expert’s meaning. Always obtain the expert’s permission before recording.
Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is approach every interview with a healthy dose of skepticism and a commitment to accuracy. Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions, verify information, and seek out multiple perspectives. Your readers deserve nothing less.
