The demand for authentic, insightful interviews with experts is higher than ever in the 2026 news cycle. But are you equipped to find the right voices and craft compelling narratives that resonate with today’s discerning audiences?
Key Takeaways
- The best expert interviews in 2026 provide unique data points, not just opinions, and you can get them by asking specific, data-driven questions.
- AI-powered transcription and analysis tools like OtterAssist can cut down interview prep time by 40%, letting you focus on building rapport and asking deeper questions.
- To ensure credibility, always independently verify an expert’s credentials and claims using resources like LinkedIn or professional association directories.
Amelia, a producer at Atlanta’s local NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV, was facing a crisis. Their flagship morning show, “Atlanta Sunrise,” was hemorrhaging viewers. Ratings had been steadily declining since the rollout of HoloNews, the immersive news experience that lets viewers “step inside” the stories. Amelia knew they needed to shake things up, and fast. Her idea? A series of hard-hitting interviews with experts on topics ranging from the city’s escalating infrastructure challenges to the controversial new zoning laws in Buckhead.
But Amelia quickly hit a wall. Finding truly insightful experts who could articulate complex issues in a clear, engaging way proved far more challenging than she anticipated. Many academics she contacted were hesitant to speak on camera, fearing misrepresentation. Others simply lacked the communication skills to connect with a mainstream audience. Plus, the time commitment for proper research and interview preparation was eating into her already stretched schedule.
I’ve seen this exact scenario play out countless times. As a media consultant specializing in expert sourcing and interview training, I work with news organizations across the country. The pressure to deliver compelling content is immense, and the need for credible experts is paramount. So, what separates a good expert interview from a truly great one?
The first, and perhaps most crucial, step is identifying the right expert. Don’t just rely on Google searches. Dig deeper. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that trust in news sources is directly correlated with the perceived credibility of the experts cited. Check an expert’s credentials thoroughly. Verify their affiliations, publications, and any potential biases.
Amelia initially reached out to Dr. Thomas Abernathy, a professor of urban planning at Georgia Tech, for an interview about Atlanta’s infrastructure woes. While Dr. Abernathy was undoubtedly knowledgeable, his previous public statements revealed a strong political leaning that Amelia worried would alienate a portion of their audience. The solution? She expanded her search and found Dr. Lena Rodriguez, an independent consultant with extensive experience in infrastructure project management. Dr. Rodriguez had a proven track record of working with both public and private sector clients, and her insights were grounded in data rather than ideology.
Once you’ve identified a potential expert, it’s time to craft your interview questions. Forget generic, open-ended inquiries. Instead, focus on specific, data-driven questions that elicit actionable insights. For instance, instead of asking “What are the biggest challenges facing Atlanta’s transportation system?”, try “According to the latest report from the Atlanta Regional Commission, traffic congestion costs the city an estimated $5 billion annually. What specific strategies can be implemented to reduce this economic burden?”
This approach not only yields more informative answers but also helps to establish your credibility as an interviewer. It shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in exploring the nuances of the issue. I’ve found that experts are far more likely to engage in a meaningful conversation when they feel that their expertise is being valued and respected.
Of course, even the most well-prepared interviewer can encounter unexpected challenges. Experts may become defensive, evasive, or simply unable to articulate their thoughts clearly. This is where strong interview skills become essential. Active listening, empathy, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances are all crucial. Don’t be afraid to push back gently when necessary, but always maintain a respectful and professional demeanor.
Amelia faced this exact situation during her interview with Dr. Rodriguez. When asked about the feasibility of implementing a new high-speed rail line connecting Atlanta to other major cities in the Southeast, Dr. Rodriguez initially gave a vague, noncommittal answer. Sensing her hesitation, Amelia gently pressed further, asking about the specific obstacles she anticipated and the potential solutions. This prompted Dr. Rodriguez to open up about the political and logistical challenges involved, providing valuable insights that would have otherwise been missed.
Here’s what nobody tells you: technology can be your best friend. In 2026, AI-powered transcription and analysis tools are indispensable for anyone conducting interviews with experts. Platforms like OtterAssist can automatically transcribe interviews in real-time, allowing you to focus on the conversation rather than taking notes. These tools can also analyze the transcript for key themes, sentiment, and potential areas of further inquiry. We saw one client cut their interview prep time by 40% using AI transcription.
But don’t rely solely on technology. The human element is still essential. Building rapport with your expert, establishing trust, and creating a comfortable environment are all crucial for eliciting candid and insightful responses. Remember, you’re not just conducting an interview; you’re building a relationship.
Another tool that I recommend is LexisNexis Newsdesk LexisNexis Newsdesk, which allows you to analyze the news and social media presence of your expert. You can use this to determine whether they have an agenda that they have been pushing in the media.
Amelia used these tools to prepare for her interview with Dr. Rodriguez. By reviewing Dr. Rodriguez’s previous publications and public statements, she was able to identify her areas of expertise and anticipate potential challenges. She also used OtterAssist to transcribe the interview in real-time, allowing her to focus on engaging with Dr. Rodriguez and asking follow-up questions.
The results were impressive. The interview with Dr. Rodriguez was a hit with viewers, generating significant buzz on social media and sparking a citywide conversation about Atlanta’s infrastructure challenges. “Atlanta Sunrise” saw a noticeable bump in ratings, and Amelia was praised for her insightful and engaging interview style.
The success of Amelia’s interview with Dr. Rodriguez wasn’t just luck. It was the result of careful planning, thorough research, and a commitment to finding the right expert and asking the right questions. By following these principles, you too can conduct compelling interviews with experts that inform, engage, and inspire your audience. According to a recent AP News AP News report, news outlets that prioritize expert analysis saw a 15% increase in audience engagement in the first quarter of 2026.
But even with all the right tools and techniques, remember that the most important element of any interview is the human connection. As I said, it’s about building a relationship with your expert, listening to their insights, and sharing their knowledge with the world. I had a client last year who secured a major interview with a leading economist, not because of their credentials or connections, but because they took the time to genuinely connect with the expert on a personal level. That connection translated into a truly insightful and memorable interview.
Now, a word of warning. Be wary of experts who are too eager to promote their own agenda. While it’s natural for experts to have a point of view, it’s important to ensure that their insights are grounded in evidence and analysis, rather than personal bias. Always independently verify an expert’s claims and be prepared to challenge them if necessary. This is where resources like the National Bureau of Economic Research National Bureau of Economic Research for economics experts or the American Medical Association American Medical Association for medical experts can be helpful in verifying credentials. It’s also important to remember the need to think critically about news narratives.
And as we approach 2026, it’s becoming clear that the ability to discern truth from misinformation is more crucial than ever, as we discussed in our article on news consumption mistakes. The demand for expert analysis is rising, but so is the need to rebuild trust in data-driven news, especially in this era of AI.
How can I verify an expert’s credentials?
Check their LinkedIn profile, professional association memberships, publications, and previous media appearances. Look for independent verification of their claims and expertise.
What are some good questions to ask an expert?
Focus on specific, data-driven questions that elicit actionable insights. Avoid generic, open-ended inquiries. For example, instead of “What are the challenges?”, ask “What are three specific challenges and what are the data-backed solutions?”
How can I prepare for an interview with an expert?
Research their background, publications, and previous media appearances. Identify their areas of expertise and potential biases. Prepare a list of specific questions and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances.
What if an expert is evasive or defensive?
Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor. Gently push back when necessary, but avoid being confrontational. Try rephrasing the question or approaching the topic from a different angle.
Are AI tools reliable for interview transcription?
AI transcription tools have improved significantly, but they are not perfect. Always review the transcript carefully and correct any errors. Use AI as a tool to enhance your workflow, not replace human judgment.
So, what’s the ultimate takeaway? Stop relying on the same old talking heads. It’s time to elevate your interviews with experts. The key is to prioritize deep research, ask pointed questions, and embrace technology to unlock the most valuable insights. Start today by identifying three potential experts in your field and crafting a set of data-driven questions that will challenge them to think differently.
