On Camera, 2nd Edition

3Gathering the Facts

Reporters gather facts by asking questions. In some cases, you will do this on the phone or over a meal. Later, at some point, you will ask questions on camera of several people involved in your report. The interview techniques are similar to those in the interview chapter Some rules here repeat those, but keep in mind you are a reporter gathering facts in this interview.

You will ultimately want to tell the story with as much “sound” as possible. “Sound” means interview quotes that are recorded. So you will want to gather facts from the most important people involved.

Nancy’s Accident Story

Let’s have some fun. Here is a simple example of an on-camera reporter’s work. You are a reporter at your first job at a small local ...