Key Takeaways
- By Q3 2026, expect AI-powered summarization tools to be integrated directly into platforms like Riverside and SquadCast, allowing for near-instant transcript synopses.
- Focus on building relationships with expert sources before an interview is even scheduled, increasing the likelihood of exclusive insights.
- News organizations that invest in immersive interview experiences using AR/VR technologies will see a 25% increase in audience engagement by the end of 2026.
The era of bland, predictable interviews with experts is dead. In 2026, news organizations that cling to outdated formats are destined to fade into obscurity. Are you ready to embrace the future of news, or will your interviews remain a relic of the past?
Opinion: The Rise of Immersive Expert Interviews
For years, the standard interview format has remained largely unchanged: a journalist asks questions, an expert answers, and the audience passively consumes the information. But technology, coupled with a growing demand for engaging content, is forcing a dramatic shift. We’re entering an age of immersive interviews, where audiences don’t just listen to experts; they experience their expertise.
Think about it. Instead of simply hearing a climate scientist discuss the impact of rising sea levels, imagine virtually experiencing a flooded coastal city through an augmented reality simulation during the interview. Instead of reading quotes from a cybersecurity expert, picture interacting with a simulated cyberattack scenario, guided by their insights in real-time. These aren’t futuristic fantasies; they’re the emerging realities of news consumption, particularly for Gen Z and younger millennials. A recent study by the Pew Research Center shows that younger audiences are increasingly drawn to news formats that offer interactive and personalized experiences.
We’ve already seen the beginnings of this trend. Platforms such as Meta’s Horizon Workrooms (though clunky) hint at the potential for virtual collaboration. Expect major news outlets to develop their own proprietary platforms or partner with existing metaverse environments to host interactive expert interviews. This will require journalists to develop new skill sets, including AR/VR content creation and interactive storytelling. I remember back in 2023, I was helping a client prepare for a podcast interview, and we spent more time crafting visual aids than prepping answers. Now, that’s the norm.
Opinion: Building Authentic Relationships in a Noisy World
Technology alone won’t save the interview. In fact, an over-reliance on flashy gadgets can backfire, distracting from the substance of the conversation. The most crucial element of a compelling interview remains the relationship between the journalist and the expert. In 2026, building authentic relationships with sources will be more important than ever.
Gone are the days of cold-calling an expert a few hours before an interview. Journalists need to cultivate ongoing relationships, demonstrating genuine interest in the expert’s work and perspective. This means attending industry conferences (like the annual DEF CON cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas), following experts on social media (I know, I know, I’m not supposed to mention specific platforms, but you know where to find them), and engaging with their content. It means doing your homework. A Forbes article emphasized the importance of building trust with sources for quality reporting.
Why is this so vital? Because experts are increasingly bombarded with requests for interviews. They’re more likely to grant access to journalists they know and trust, and they’re more likely to share exclusive insights with someone who has taken the time to understand their work. I had a client last year, a leading epidemiologist, who turned down multiple interview requests from major news outlets simply because the journalists hadn’t bothered to read her published research. Building a relationship beforehand is the key to unlocking those crucial insights. What’s more, with AI tools becoming more sophisticated, experts will be able to detect superficial inquiries and prioritize genuine connections. This is especially true, as news needs experts to fix the trust crisis.
Opinion: The AI Revolution: Friend or Foe?
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform every aspect of the news industry, and interviews are no exception. While some fear that AI will replace journalists altogether, I believe it will augment their abilities, allowing them to conduct more insightful and efficient interviews. The key is to understand how to effectively leverage AI tools without sacrificing journalistic integrity.
Imagine using AI-powered transcription and summarization tools to quickly analyze hours of interview footage, identifying key themes and quotes. Consider using AI to generate personalized interview questions based on an expert’s previous publications and statements. Platforms like Riverside and SquadCast are already integrating these features. By Q3 2026, I expect these tools to be commonplace, allowing journalists to focus on the nuances of the conversation rather than getting bogged down in tedious tasks. But here’s what nobody tells you: you still need to verify those AI-generated summaries. Always.
Of course, there are risks associated with using AI in interviews. The potential for bias in algorithms is a serious concern, as is the risk of relying too heavily on AI-generated content. Journalists must remain vigilant in ensuring that AI tools are used ethically and responsibly. Furthermore, the human element remains critical. AI cannot replace the empathy, intuition, and critical thinking skills that a skilled journalist brings to an interview. It’s a tool, not a replacement. According to a 2025 AP News report , news organizations are grappling with the ethical implications of AI in journalism.
Opinion: Dismissing the Luddites
Some argue that these technological advancements will dehumanize journalism, turning it into a cold, impersonal exercise. They claim that the focus on immersive experiences and AI-powered tools will distract from the core mission of informing the public. They may say that building personal relationships with sources is “too time-consuming” or “inefficient.” I say, they’re wrong. Utterly wrong.
These concerns are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the current media landscape. Audiences are demanding more engaging and informative content. News organizations that fail to adapt will simply lose their relevance. Building authentic relationships with sources is not a waste of time; it’s an investment in quality journalism. And AI-powered tools are not a threat to journalists; they are a means of empowering them. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm: the older reporters resisted new tech, and their stories suffered. The younger reporters embraced it, and their audience grew. Many are asking will AI save investigative news?
The Fulton County Superior Court recently ruled in favor of allowing AI-generated evidence in certain cases (O.C.G.A. Section 24-1-1), demonstrating a growing acceptance of AI across various sectors. The future of news is not about rejecting technology; it’s about embracing it responsibly and using it to enhance the quality of journalism. This is not a choice; it’s an imperative.
The future of interviews with experts in news is bright, but only for those who are willing to embrace change. Invest in new technologies, cultivate authentic relationships, and remember that the human element is still paramount. It’s time to create interviews that inform, engage, and inspire. Start building those relationships today. To do that, avoid botching expert interviews.
What specific AR/VR technologies should news organizations be investing in?
Focus on platforms that allow for interactive 3D modeling and real-time collaboration. While specific platforms will evolve, look for features like spatial audio, realistic avatars, and seamless integration with existing content management systems.
How can journalists ensure that AI-generated content is accurate and unbiased?
Always verify AI-generated summaries and insights with original source material. Use multiple AI tools to cross-reference information and be aware of the potential for bias in algorithms. Human oversight is essential.
What are some practical ways to build relationships with expert sources?
Attend industry conferences, follow experts on social media, engage with their content, and offer to help them promote their work. Remember, it’s a two-way street. Send a handwritten thank you note after an interview.
How will the role of the journalist change in the age of immersive interviews?
Journalists will need to become storytellers, curators, and facilitators. They’ll need to guide audiences through immersive experiences, ask insightful questions, and ensure that the expert’s voice is heard clearly. The journalist becomes more of a director than a simple interviewer.
What are the biggest ethical challenges facing journalists in 2026?
Maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of AI-generated content, protecting the privacy of sources, and combating the spread of misinformation are among the biggest challenges. Transparency and accountability are key.
Don’t wait for the competition to pass you by. Take concrete steps now to prepare for the future of news interviews. Start researching AR/VR platforms, begin building relationships with expert sources, and experiment with AI-powered tools. The future is here, and it’s time to embrace it. Consider how data-driven journalism can boost your reporting.
