Different Types of Interviews in Journalism

Interviews are the lifeblood of journalism. They provide the raw material for news stories, profiles, investigative pieces, and documentaries. However, not all interviews are the same. Journalists employ different types of interviews depending on the purpose of the story, the subject matter, and the audience. Let’s delve into some of the most common types of interviews used in journalism and understand how each one serves its unique purpose.

1. The Informative Interview:

The goal of an informative interview is to gather facts and context from an expert. These are often conducted with professionals who have specific knowledge about the topic at hand—think scientists during a health crisis or financial analysts in an economic downturn. The primary aim is to extract objective information rather than personal opinions. Journalists use this type of interview to provide their readers or viewers with a factual foundation for understanding complex issues.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, reporters frequently interviewed epidemiologists and public health officials. The emphasis was on clear, concise information that would help the public make informed decisions.

2. The Profile Interview:

Profile interviews focus on the individual, diving deep into their background, personality, and motivations. These interviews are less about facts and more about human interest. The aim is to give readers an intimate look at a person's life, experiences, and character.

When conducting a profile interview, the journalist often spends extended periods with the subject. They observe their surroundings, ask probing questions, and piece together a narrative that paints a vivid portrait of the person. This type of interview is commonly used for celebrity profiles, political figures, or everyday people with extraordinary stories.

3. The Investigative Interview:

Investigative interviews are part of a broader effort to uncover hidden truths. These interviews require persistence, careful questioning, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Investigative journalists often interview whistleblowers, witnesses, and even anonymous sources to gather information on wrongdoing or controversial topics.

A notable example of this is the Watergate scandal. Journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein conducted numerous investigative interviews, often relying on anonymous sources like “Deep Throat” to expose the Nixon administration’s involvement in the break-in.

4. The Vox Pop Interview:

Vox populi, or "voice of the people," interviews are short, informal conversations with everyday people. The goal is to gauge public opinion on a particular issue. These interviews are often conducted on the street, at events, or in public spaces.

Journalists use vox pops to provide a snapshot of societal views, especially in response to current events. For example, after a significant political event like an election, journalists might ask random citizens how they feel about the results. Vox pops add diversity to news coverage, offering insights into how different demographics view the same issue.

5. The Emotional Interview:

An emotional interview is designed to elicit a deep, personal response from the interviewee. These interviews often take place in the aftermath of a traumatic event—natural disasters, accidents, or personal tragedies. The journalist's role is to create a safe space for the subject to express their emotions, allowing them to share their story with a broader audience.

While conducting such interviews, sensitivity and empathy are crucial. Journalists must tread carefully, ensuring they don't exploit the interviewee’s vulnerability for sensationalism. Emotional interviews often leave a lasting impact on the audience, as they humanize distant events and make them relatable.

6. The Hard-Hitting Interview:

This type of interview is direct, often confrontational, and used to hold people in power accountable. Hard-hitting interviews are typically conducted with politicians, CEOs, or other public figures, especially when there is a need for transparency on controversial issues. The journalist asks tough questions, often challenging the interviewee’s statements or actions.

A well-known example is the interviews conducted by British journalist Jeremy Paxman, who became famous for his no-nonsense, aggressive questioning style. These interviews are designed to cut through evasiveness and expose the truth.

7. The Entertainment Interview:

Entertainment interviews are typically lighter, focusing on celebrities, musicians, actors, and other public figures in the entertainment industry. The aim is to entertain the audience while providing insights into the interviewee’s latest projects or personal life.

These interviews often involve casual, humorous conversations and may take place in informal settings. While not as serious as other types of interviews, they play a crucial role in connecting celebrities with their fans and providing content for entertainment media outlets.

8. The Expert Panel Interview:

In an expert panel interview, multiple experts in a particular field are interviewed together. The journalist moderates the discussion, ensuring that each expert has a chance to provide their insights on the topic. This type of interview is often used in televised debates or written forums, where diverse perspectives are needed to explore an issue thoroughly.

For example, during election seasons, journalists may gather political analysts, campaign strategists, and sociologists for a panel discussion on voter behavior. The value lies in contrasting viewpoints, which provide a richer understanding of the issue at hand.

9. The Follow-Up Interview:

Follow-up interviews occur after an initial interview or news event. They provide updates on ongoing stories or allow interviewees to clarify or expand on previous statements. This type of interview is essential in investigative journalism, where stories often evolve over time.

For instance, after a whistleblower’s initial revelations, a journalist might conduct a follow-up interview to dig deeper into the story or address new developments.

10. The Live Interview:

Live interviews, as the name suggests, happen in real-time, often broadcasted on television or radio. These interviews can be spontaneous or planned, but the key challenge is handling unexpected answers or technical issues. Live interviews require the journalist to think quickly and adapt on the spot.

They are common during breaking news coverage, where journalists interview eyewitnesses or officials at the scene. The immediacy of live interviews adds an element of urgency, and they often capture raw, unfiltered emotions.

11. The Narrative Interview:

This type of interview focuses on storytelling. The journalist encourages the interviewee to recount events in a detailed, narrative style, allowing the reader or viewer to feel immersed in the story. This type of interview is common in long-form journalism, where the focus is on creating a compelling, well-rounded story.

Narrative interviews are often used in feature stories, documentaries, or podcasts. The goal is to engage the audience emotionally, creating a deep connection between the story and the reader.

In conclusion, interviews in journalism are not one-size-fits-all. Each type serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s informing the public, holding power accountable, or providing emotional resonance. The art of interviewing lies in knowing which approach to use in order to tell the most effective, engaging story.