The Future of Interviews with Experts: Key Predictions
The way we consume news is constantly changing, and with it, the methods journalists use to gather information. Interviews with experts are a cornerstone of credible reporting, but how will these conversations evolve in the face of AI and a rapidly changing media environment? Will AI replace human experts, or will the role of the expert become even more critical?
Key Takeaways
- AI-powered transcription and analysis tools will cut interview preparation time by 40% for journalists by 2027.
- Expect to see a 30% increase in “source diversity” metrics at major news outlets as AI helps find underrepresented voices.
- News organizations will invest heavily in training journalists to critically evaluate AI-generated content and avoid bias.
The Rise of AI-Assisted Interviewing
AI is already making inroads into journalism, and interviews with experts are no exception. We’re not talking about replacing human sources with AI chatbots (though that’s a concern, too), but rather using AI to enhance the interview process. Think sophisticated transcription services that can accurately convert speech to text in real-time, even with heavy accents or background noise. I had a client last year – a small town newspaper in Thomasville, Georgia – that implemented an AI transcription tool and saw a dramatic improvement in turnaround time for articles.
Beyond transcription, AI can also help journalists research potential interviewees, identify relevant questions, and even analyze the expert’s previous statements to uncover potential inconsistencies. Imagine feeding an expert’s past interviews and publications into an AI and receiving a summary of their key arguments, potential biases, and areas where they might be vulnerable to questioning. That’s the power that AI brings to the table.
The Importance of Human Oversight
However, and this is a big however, AI is not a replacement for human judgment. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it can be misused. Journalists must be trained to critically evaluate AI-generated content and to identify potential biases or inaccuracies. We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. An eager intern used an AI to prep for an interview with a local economist, and the AI completely misinterpreted a key point in the economist’s research, leading to a misleading question. The interview almost went off the rails until the journalist, thankfully, caught the error.
The future of interviews with experts will involve a delicate balance between leveraging the power of AI and maintaining the core values of journalism: accuracy, fairness, and independence. News organizations like the Associated Press are already developing guidelines for the ethical use of AI in newsgathering, and I expect to see more of this in the coming years.
Diversifying Expert Voices
One of the biggest challenges facing journalism today is the lack of diversity in sources. Too often, news stories rely on the same small group of experts, who are often white, male, and from elite institutions. AI can help to address this problem by identifying a wider range of potential sources, including those from underrepresented communities.
AI algorithms can sift through vast amounts of data to identify individuals with relevant expertise, even if they don’t have a high profile or a large social media following. These algorithms can also be trained to identify potential biases in the existing pool of experts and to prioritize sources from diverse backgrounds. A Pew Research Center study found that news consumers are more likely to trust news stories that feature diverse voices. In fact, it may be time to rebuild trust in 2026 by embracing data-driven news.
The Rise of Video and Interactive Interviews
While print and audio interviews with experts will remain relevant, video and interactive formats are likely to become increasingly popular. Video interviews allow viewers to see the expert’s body language and facial expressions, which can add another layer of context and credibility. Interactive interviews, such as live Q&A sessions on social media, allow viewers to ask questions directly to the expert, fostering a sense of engagement and transparency.
Platforms like StreamYard and Descript are making it easier than ever for journalists to produce high-quality video and interactive content. I predict that news organizations will invest heavily in these technologies in the coming years.
Case Study: The Fulton County Election Investigation
Consider the ongoing investigation into the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia. Imagine a news outlet using AI to analyze hours of testimony from election officials and experts, identifying key inconsistencies and potential areas of fraud. The outlet could then use this analysis to conduct targeted video interviews with relevant witnesses, presenting the evidence in a clear and compelling way. Furthermore, these interviews could be broadcast live on platforms like YouTube, allowing viewers to ask questions in real-time. This is the kind of in-depth, interactive reporting that will define the future of news.
The End of the Soundbite?
One of the biggest problems with traditional interviews with experts is that they often rely on soundbites – short, catchy quotes that are taken out of context. This can lead to misrepresentation and distortion of the expert’s views. In the future, I believe we’ll see a move away from soundbites and towards more in-depth, nuanced conversations.
This shift will be driven by several factors, including the increasing sophistication of AI analysis tools, the growing demand for transparency and accountability, and the rise of alternative media outlets that are less beholden to traditional journalistic norms. I expect that news organizations will start publishing full transcripts of interviews, allowing readers to judge for themselves the validity of the expert’s claims. In fact, some outlets like NPR already do this. It’s important to avoid these news traps when interviewing experts.
The Enduring Value of Human Expertise
Despite the rise of AI and the changing media landscape, the value of human expertise will endure. While AI can help journalists gather information and analyze data, it cannot replace the critical thinking, judgment, and empathy that human experts bring to the table. Experts can provide context, nuance, and insights that AI simply cannot replicate. Does deep analysis truly inform readers? It is a question we must ask ourselves.
Furthermore, experts can serve as a check on the power of AI, ensuring that it is used responsibly and ethically. As AI becomes more prevalent in journalism, the role of the expert will become even more critical. Experts will not only be sources of information, but also guardians of truth and accuracy. Now more than ever, informed citizens are our best defense.
Will AI replace human experts in news interviews?
No, AI will not replace human experts. It will serve as a tool to assist journalists in gathering information and analyzing data, but human experts will continue to provide critical thinking, judgment, and empathy.
How can journalists ensure that AI is used ethically in interviews?
Journalists should be trained to critically evaluate AI-generated content, identify potential biases, and prioritize accuracy and fairness. News organizations should also develop clear guidelines for the ethical use of AI.
What are the benefits of video interviews with experts?
Video interviews allow viewers to see the expert’s body language and facial expressions, which can add another layer of context and credibility. They also provide a more engaging and interactive experience for viewers.
Will soundbites disappear from news interviews?
I believe there will be a move away from soundbites and towards more in-depth, nuanced conversations. This will be driven by the increasing sophistication of AI analysis tools and the growing demand for transparency.
How can news organizations diversify the voices of experts they feature?
AI can help identify a wider range of potential sources, including those from underrepresented communities. Algorithms can sift through vast amounts of data to identify individuals with relevant expertise, even if they don’t have a high profile.
The future of interviews with experts is bright, but it requires a commitment to ethical practices and a willingness to embrace new technologies. If news organizations can navigate these challenges effectively, they can continue to provide valuable insights and inform the public on the most important issues of our time. So, are you ready to see news organizations embrace AI, or will they resist the change?
