News Needs Experts: Can Interviews Save Journalism?

In a world saturated with information, discerning truth from noise is more challenging than ever. Interviews with experts, especially in news, provide a critical filter, offering informed perspectives and verifiable facts. But are news outlets relying on them enough, or are they chasing clicks instead of clarity?

The Fulton County Daily News was in crisis. It was early 2026, and the local Atlanta paper, a stalwart for over a century, was bleeding subscribers. Their online presence, once a source of pride, was now a chaotic mix of sensational headlines and unverified claims. The final straw? A retracted story about a proposed development near the Chattahoochee River that falsely accused a local businessman of bribery. Lawsuits loomed, and trust, their most valuable asset, was gone.

Sarah Chen, the newly appointed editor-in-chief, knew something had to change, and fast. “We were drowning in opinions,” she told me over coffee last week. “Everyone had a hot take, but nobody had the facts. We needed to refocus on what made us a newspaper: verified information and informed analysis.”

Chen’s diagnosis was spot on. The problem wasn’t a lack of content; it was a lack of credible content. In an era where anyone with a smartphone can become a self-proclaimed journalist, the role of established news organizations is to provide something more: expertise. And that’s where interviews with experts come in.

But why are they so vital? Because they offer several key benefits:

• Credibility: An expert’s opinion, backed by years of experience and research, carries weight. It signals to the reader that the news outlet has done its homework.
• Context: Experts can provide the historical background, technical details, and nuanced perspectives that are often missing from quick-hit news reports.
• Verification: A good expert can help fact-check claims, identify biases, and separate speculation from evidence.

“The public’s trust in media remains low,” according to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center. “Just 32% of U.S. adults say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in newspapers, television and radio to report the news fully, accurately and fairly.” That’s a sobering statistic. One way to rebuild that trust is by consistently featuring expert voices.

Chen’s first move was to implement a new editorial policy: every major story had to include at least one interview with a recognized expert in the field. For the retracted development story, this meant consulting with a real estate attorney familiar with zoning laws in Fulton County, as well as an environmental scientist who could assess the potential impact of the project on the Chattahoochee River watershed. (Full disclosure: I consulted on a similar case back in 2024 regarding a development near Roswell, GA.)

Finding the right experts wasn’t always easy. Many were hesitant to speak on the record, fearing backlash or misrepresentation. Some demanded exorbitant fees. But Chen persevered, leveraging her network and offering assurances of editorial integrity. She also made a point of seeking out diverse voices, ensuring that the experts represented a range of perspectives and backgrounds.

The results were immediate and dramatic. The Fulton County Daily News’s credibility soared. Subscription rates began to climb. The lawsuits were settled out of court, and the paper even won an award for its investigative reporting on local environmental issues. (They used Grammarly to ensure all content was clear and accurate, a step I recommend to all my clients.)

One particularly successful example involved a series of articles on the increasing prevalence of ransomware attacks targeting small businesses in the Atlanta area. Instead of simply reporting the incidents, the Daily News interviewed cybersecurity experts from Georgia Tech, as well as local business owners who had been affected. These interviews with experts provided valuable insights into the nature of the threat, the steps businesses could take to protect themselves, and the resources available to those who had been victimized.

The series not only informed the public but also generated a significant amount of positive publicity for the Daily News. Local businesses praised the paper for its commitment to covering important issues, and the series even led to a partnership with the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce to provide cybersecurity training to its members.

Here’s what nobody tells you, though: simply quoting an expert isn’t enough. The interviews with experts must be integrated seamlessly into the narrative, providing context and analysis that enhances the reader’s understanding. This requires skilled journalism and a commitment to accuracy.

What about the cost? Interviewing experts takes time and resources. Fact-checking takes time. But in the long run, the investment is worth it. A reputation for accuracy and integrity is the most valuable asset a news organization can have.

Of course, there are challenges. Some experts are biased, have hidden agendas, or simply aren’t very good communicators. It’s the journalist’s job to vet their sources carefully, ask tough questions, and present the information in a clear and unbiased manner. I always tell my students to cross-reference expert opinions with independent research and data. Don’t just take their word for it.

News aggregators and social media platforms can spread information faster than ever. A recent Reuters Institute study found that people who primarily get their news from social media are more likely to be exposed to misinformation. That’s why interviews with experts are more vital than ever: they provide a crucial filter, helping readers separate fact from fiction.

So, what can other news organizations learn from the Fulton County Daily News’s experience? Here are a few key takeaways:

• Prioritize expertise: Make expert interviews a central part of your editorial strategy.
• Invest in fact-checking: Verify all claims, and don’t be afraid to retract errors.
• Seek out diverse voices: Ensure that your experts represent a range of perspectives and backgrounds.
• Integrate seamlessly: Don’t just quote experts; integrate their insights into the narrative.

The digital age has democratized information, but it has also created an environment of unprecedented noise and misinformation. News organizations that prioritize expertise will not only survive but thrive. They will become trusted sources of information, vital to a well-informed citizenry. And that, in the end, is what journalism is all about.

Sarah Chen and the Fulton County Daily News didn’t just save a newspaper; they reaffirmed the importance of responsible journalism in a world desperately in need of it. Their story proves that in the age of instant information, verified expertise is the most valuable currency of all.

The key is to remember that interviews with experts are not just about adding credibility; they are about providing clarity, context, and ultimately, the truth. Without that commitment, news becomes just another form of noise. What will you do to ensure your news source values expertise?

Don’t just passively consume news. Demand expertise. Seek out news sources that prioritize informed analysis over sensational headlines. Your understanding of the world—and your ability to make informed decisions—depends on it. To stay informed in the age of deepfakes, critical thinking is key.