Do Reporters Always Ask Questions That They Already Know The Answer To?
Asking questions is a fundamental part of a journalist’s job. Whether conducting an interview or researching a story, reporters rely on questions to gather information, uncover the truth, and provide context.
However, some may wonder – do journalists actually know the answers to the questions they ask sources and interview subjects? Or are they genuinely seeking information?
The short answer is: it depends. Seasoned journalists use a range of question types and interview techniques to get the material they need. While they may have an idea of certain answers, their mission is to gather multiple perspectives and capture precise, detailed responses. Preparation and research allow them to ask informed questions, but there is often an element of the unknown.
In this guide, we’ll explore common journalist question types, best practices for interviews, and the nuances around already knowing some answers. Mastering diverse questioning strategies helps reporters conduct ethical, insightful interviews.
Why Reporters Research Before Interviews
The main reason journalists research subjects and topics beforehand is to formulate well-informed questions that elicit detailed, accurate responses. Thorough preparation demonstrates respect for the interviewee’s time and expertise. It allows reporters to:
- Better understand the context to ask meaningful questions tailored to the individual and their experiences.
- Avoid wasting interview time covering basic or easily searchable information. Research allows reporters to focus questions on specific gaps or clarifications needed.
- Assess credibility by verifying claims, credentials, and background. This guards against false information tainting the story.
- Identify “telling” questions that may reveal something interesting about the interviewee’s perspectives.
- Prepare follow-ups to dig deeper and clear up discrepancies.
In short, reporter questions aren’t designed to show off knowledge – the priority is gathering complete, truthful information readers care about.
Common Journalist Question Types
Journalists use a variety of question strategies and formats during interviews, each with unique purposes:
Open-Ended Questions
- Definition: Questions that allow for a wide range of responses instead of yes/no or one-word answers. They often start with “what”, “why”, “how”, etc.
- Purpose: Encourages the interviewee to provide more detail and elaborate. Provides insight into their thought process.
- Example: “What originally motivated you to get involved with this organization?”
Probing Questions
- Definition: Questions that dig deeper into a subject to clarify or expand on a response.
- Purpose: Used to elicit more detail around something of interest. Allows exploration of nuances.
- Example: “Earlier you mentioned the difficulties you faced. Can you expand on the specific challenges?”
Closed-Ended/Direct Questions
- Definition: Questions that can be answered concisely, often with a simple yes/no or fact.
- Purpose: Help reporters efficiently confirm facts, dates, spelling of names. Check understanding.
- Example: “The press release said the legislation was introduced in March 2021 – can you confirm that date?”
Difficult/Tough Questions
- Definition: Questions about sensitive, controversial, or previously unaddressed topics. May challenge the interviewee.
- Purpose: Responsible journalists ask tough questions respectfully to represent issues fairly and accurately. Provides a chance to respond to criticisms.
- Example: “Some analysts argue that the policy does not go far enough to address the underlying problems. How would you respond to that critique?”
Bridge Questions
- Definition: Transitional phrases between question topics.
- Purpose: Allows smooth segues between topics, while signaling a shift in questioning.
- Example: “Shifting gears a little, I’d like to better understand your vision for the organization over the next few years…”
This diversity of question types provides journalists several tools to facilitate a constructive, thorough interview.
Best Practices for Interviewing
While reporters may research and prepare questions ahead of interviews, it’s rarely the case that they “already know all the answers”. Ethical interview practices help them conduct fair conversations that serve the public interest:
Avoid Leading Questions
Leading questions influence specific responses instead of allowing organic answers. While common in casual conversation, reporters should frame questions neutrally.
Poor example: “This legislation helps citizens, correct?”
Better example: “How does this legislation aim to help citizens?”
Actively Listen
Give the interviewee full focus and attention instead of just waiting to ask the next question. Truly listening and responding appropriately yields better insights.
Follow Standards
Abide by codes of ethics around issues of transparency, consent, accuracy, privacy, and confidentiality. Disclose methods and aims.
Check for Understanding
Summarize responses to confirm accuracy. Allow interviewees to clarify or expand responses instead of making assumptions.
Show Gratitude
Thank interviewees for their time and insights. Share contact information for any follow-up needs.
These practices help establish trust and gather authentic perspectives from interviewees.
When Reporters Know Some Answers
There are certain cases where journalists may have a sense of how an interviewee might respond:
Background Research
Reporters typically research an interviewee’s credentials, past statements, affiliations, etc. to prepare tailored questions. If they’ve given multiple interviews, some responses may align with previous ones based on their expertise.
However, reporters still ask questions to get the fullest, most accurate account for each specific story. They don’t assume answers.
High-Profile Issues
When controversies or scandals arise around public figures, reporters likely know the gist of defenses or apologies. But interviews allow subjects to address criticisms directly instead of relying on second-hand accounts.
Even if reporters expect certain responses, it’s responsible journalism to include the perspective from the source.
Common Questions
For recurring article formats like profiles, reporters may fall back on standard questions about background, influences, vision, etc. Subjects answer based on their unique experiences, but some responses may have common themes.
However, reporters personalize and update questions to suit each piece and look for new insights.
In these cases, the “known answers” are typically just frameworks to build upon with tailored questions. Journalists still approach interviews without assumptions and willingness to be surprised.
Why Ask Questions You Know the Answers To?
If reporters have a sense of how an interview may unfold, why bother asking questions at all? There are several reasons:
Duty to Represent Diverse Perspectives
Journalism serves the public, not the reporter. Interview questions allow subjects to state perspectives in their own words instead of the journalist paraphrasing. This upholds standards around balanced, ethical reporting.
Opportunity to Expand Responses
While reporters may expect certain talking points, interviews allow for follow-up questions to get more detail and context. Subjects can build on presumed responses.
Need First-Hand Account on Record
Even if it’s an oft-repeated sentiment, having the interviewee state it directly during the conversation puts an authoritative, attributable quote on the record. This lends credibility.
Chance to Reveal Something Unexpected
Reporters prepare questions based on available research, but interviews can veer in unanticipated directions. Giving subjects a platform allows for more authentic revelations.
So while basic responses may be predictable, the interview still serves core reporting functions. And there’s always potential for surprise!
Tips for Conducting Better Interviews
Here are some tips for conducting responsible, insightful interviews:
- Avoid assumptions: Don’t presume answers no matter how much background research you conduct. Maintain openness.
- Ask follow-ups: Explore initial responses more deeply before moving on. Dig for detail.
- Use empathy: Understand sensitive topics require thoughtfulness and care when questioning.
- Check for accuracy: Clarify responses instead of making inferences. Have them confirm quotes.
- Use “bridging” phrases: Explain shifts in questioning focus while keeping flow.
- Cite fairly: Represent perspectives accurately and in context. Seek clarity.
- Bring energy: Demonstrate genuine interest through active listening and relevant questions.
Making assumptions risks injecting bias, limiting new insights, and pigeon-holing interviewees into predictable responses. Skilled journalists keep an open, curious mindset.
Conclusion
In most cases, responsible reporters do research and prepare interview questions but don’t actually “know all the answers” ahead of time. In fact, assuming responses defeats the purpose of questioning altogether.
Instead, solid preparation allows journalists to ask meaningful, well-informed questions that make the best use of interview time. Subjects can provide detail and context around issues the public needs to understand accurately.
Certain responses may be expected, but an ethical journalist always approaches interviews with an open and curious mindset. They let conversations unfold organically, ready to probe initial answers more deeply and willing to be surprised.
Ultimately, the questioning strategies explored above help journalists gather multiple perspectives around issues affecting their readers. Harnessing the power of questions, not assumptions, upholds accuracy, balance, and insight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should reporters send interview questions to subjects in advance?
A: Most journalists avoid sending full questions ahead of time, as it can allow interviewees to prepare “spin” instead of authentic reactions. However, it’s reasonable to give a general overview of topics to be discussed so subjects can refresh their memory. Always save some specific questions for the actual interview.
Q: Is it unethical for journalists to have any sense of answers prior to interviews?
A: No – conducting background research is an essential part of preparation. As long as reporters maintain impartiality and don’t make firm assumptions, reasonable expectations based on a subject’s history are understandable and help shape meaningful questions.
Q: Should every question a journalist asks be completely unknown to them before the interview?
A: There’s no need to feign complete ignorance on relevant background that is publicly known already through the subject’s work history, past statements, etc. However, reporters should still approach the interview itself without assumptions on how they may respond to new questions tailored to the piece. There is a balance between preparation and presumption.
Q: Don’t reporters just need compelling quotes that support the angles they’ve already chosen?
A: Ethical reporters seek accurate representation of issues from multiple angles. While provocative quotes may be sought, they should not compromise fairness or completeness. Predetermining “angles” risks bias; it’s better to compile a full picture from research and interviews first.