This how-to guide sets out how to carry out an interview remotely if an interviewee is not available for a face-to-face meeting.
It’s based on the MHM article ‘Interviewing remotely’ which we suggest you read before applying the following how-to checklist.
This skill is highly relevant for new journalists because remote interviewing is now a daily part of the job. Understanding how to maintain professional standards through a screen or a telephone line is essential for gathering accurate information.
To be a successful journalist, you must be able to gather great stories even when you cannot meet your source in person. Whether you use email, video, or the telephone, you must remain professional and focused on gathering facts.
Use this checklist to ensure your remote interviews are effective and accurate:
- [ ] Prepare your background research
Read everything available about your subject so you can ask intelligent and searching questions. See the MHM article ‘Introduction to interviewing‘. - [ ] Verify the identity of your source
When using email or messaging, always use a second method (like a quick phone call) to check the person is who they say they are. See the MHM article ‘Developing and handling news sources‘. - [ ] Set clear ground rules
Explain who you are, where the story will appear, and confirm if the talk is on the record before you begin. Transparency is essential in order to build trust. - [ ] Confirm spellings and titles
Always ask the source to spell their name and give their official job title at the start to ensure your report is accurate. - [ ] Prioritise your questions
For email interviews, do not send a long list. Pick the three most important things you need to know and ask those first. - [ ] Ask for permission to record
If you are using the telephone or video, you must tell the source if you are recording them. In many places, this is a legal requirement. See the MHM article ‘Respecting privacy as a journalist‘. - [ ] Listen for what is not said
Pay close attention to the tone of voice and pauses. If a source avoids a question, politely repeat it to get the answer you need. - [ ] Explain the editing process
Make it clear that you and your editor will decide what is published. Remind the source they do not usually have the right to approve the final text. - [ ] Check the technology
Ensure your battery is charged and your internet connection is stable before the interview starts to avoid interruptions. - [ ] Ask if there is anything else
Always end by asking if the source has anything to add. This often leads to the most interesting part of the story.
Mastering these remote techniques will help you build trust with sources all over the world. Keep practising these steps, and you will soon find that distance is no barrier to excellent reporting.
