Radio Production, 5th Edition

6

Interviewing

The aim of an interview is to provide, in the interviewee's own words, facts, reasons or opinions on a particular topic so that the listener can form a conclusion as to the validity of what he or she is saying.

The basic approach

It follows from the above definition that the opinions of the interviewer are irrelevant. An interview is not a confrontation, which it is the interviewer's object to win. A questioner whose attitude is one of battle, to whom the interviewee represents an opponent to be defeated, will almost inevitably alienate the audience. The listener quickly senses such hostility and, feeling that the balance of advantage already lies with the broadcaster, the probability is of siding with the underdog. For an interviewer ...