7.1 Research and Interview Techniques for Audio Journalism

Investigative audio journalism requires meticulous research and compelling interviews. Reporters must identify key issues, gather data, and develop a solid research plan. They also need to prepare thoroughly for interviews, build rapport with sources, and employ active listening techniques.

Evaluating source credibility and fact-checking are crucial in audio journalism. Reporters must assess the reliability of sources, analyze information quality, and corroborate facts. They should also develop systematic fact-checking processes, verify quotes accurately, and consult experts for validation.

Research Strategies and Techniques

Research strategies for investigative audio

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• Identify the central question or issue to investigate
  • Determine the scope and angle of the story (local impact of national policy)
  • Assess feasibility based on time, resources, and access (public records, key stakeholders)
• Conduct preliminary background research
  • Review existing reporting on the topic (news articles, documentaries)
  • Identify key stakeholders, experts, and potential sources (government officials, affected communities)
  • Gather relevant data, documents, and public records (census data, environmental reports)
• Develop a research plan and timeline
  • Prioritize research tasks and interviews based on importance and logistical considerations
  • Set deadlines for gathering information and conducting interviews to ensure steady progress
  • Allow flexibility for pursuing new leads or adjusting focus as the investigation evolves
• Utilize various research methods
  • Online databases and search engines (LexisNexis, Google Scholar)
  • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to access government documents
  • Public records and court documents (property records, lawsuit filings)
  • Academic journals and expert analysis for in-depth understanding of complex issues
  • On-the-ground observation and immersion to gain firsthand insights (attending community meetings)

Techniques for compelling interviews

• Prepare thoroughly for interviews
  • Research the background and expertise of the interviewee (previous interviews, published works)
  • Develop open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses ("Can you describe your experience with...")
  • Anticipate potential challenges or sensitive topics (personal trauma, controversial opinions)
• Build rapport and trust with interviewees
  • Be transparent about the purpose and scope of the interview (how the information will be used)
  • Show genuine interest and empathy through active listening and body language
  • Create a comfortable and respectful environment (quiet location, considerate of interviewee's needs)
• Employ active listening techniques
  • Allow interviewees to speak without interruption, giving them space to express their thoughts
  • Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to probe deeper or clarify points
  • Seek clarification or elaboration when necessary ("Can you explain that further?")
• Adapt questioning style to the interviewee
  • Use a conversational tone for more casual interviews to put the interviewee at ease
  • Employ a more structured approach for expert or adversarial interviews to maintain focus
  • Be prepared to deviate from planned questions based on the conversation flow to pursue interesting tangents

Information Evaluation and Verification

Evaluation of source credibility

• Assess the reliability of sources
  • Consider the source's expertise, reputation, and potential biases (industry ties, political affiliations)
  • Verify the source's credentials and affiliations (academic degrees, professional memberships)
  • Determine if the source has firsthand knowledge or is relying on secondary information (eyewitness vs. hearsay)
• Analyze the quality and relevance of information
  • Evaluate the accuracy and completeness of data or documents (methodology, sample size)
  • Consider the timeliness and significance of the information to the story (recent events, broader implications)
  • Assess whether the information advances the central question or issue (fills knowledge gaps, provides new insights)
• Corroborate information from multiple sources
  • Seek confirmation from independent sources (experts in different fields, unrelated witnesses)
  • Compare accounts from different perspectives (supporters and critics of an issue)
  • Identify inconsistencies or contradictions that require further investigation (conflicting timelines, disputed facts)

Fact-checking in audio journalism

• Develop a systematic approach to fact-checking
  • Create a checklist of facts to verify (names, dates, statistics)
  • Assign responsibility for fact-checking to specific team members to ensure accountability
  • Establish a timeline for completing fact-checking before publication to allow for thorough review
• Verify the accuracy of quotes and attributions
  • Review interview transcripts or recordings for exactness, ensuring quotes are verbatim
  • Confirm the proper spelling and titles of sources to maintain credibility
  • Ensure that quotes are not taken out of context, misrepresenting the speaker's intent
• Consult with experts or authorities for verification
  • Seek input from subject matter experts to validate technical information (scientific concepts, legal analysis)
  • Contact officials or agencies to confirm data or statistics (government reports, research findings)
  • Engage fact-checking organizations or services for assistance (Snopes, PolitiFact)
• Document the fact-checking process
  • Maintain a record of sources and methods used for verification (interview notes, document citations)
  • Note any discrepancies or corrections made during fact-checking to ensure accuracy
  • Preserve fact-checking documentation for transparency and accountability (in case of challenges or disputes)