Is it Ever Okay to Ask a Reporter a Question?
By Gerard Braud –
News reporters and journalists often guide the media interview by asking questions to the interviewee, but is it ever okay for the interviewee to ask a reporter a question? Please share your comments on our social media and subscribe to the weekly question on the BraudCast YouTube Channel to participate each week. Your answers may be featured in a follow-up video later this week. Stay tuned!
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It’s always OK to ask a reporter questions. (In context, I work for a governmental agency.) As part of our media training, we teach to pre-interview the reporter, who is calling for an interview. Common questions we suggest to ask:
– What is your story angle?
– Who else have you talked to?
– What is your most pressing need or question?
– What is your deadline?
– “Can I call you back after reviewing the file or get out of an upcoming meeting…” (to give a little more time to prep)
But we caution to not ask instigating or attacking questions whether on the phone or in person. Just ask questions to help frame the request.
Thanks Willie. Here is what your colleagues had to say, as well as my tips: