Home
>
Public Relations
>
Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Prior to a TV interview it is guaranteed the journalist involved will spend time preparing, writing down questions or goals for the interview either quickly or more in-depth as well as conducting some background research. As the interview subject it is important to undergo a similar preparation process to make the most out of your media opportunity. By asking your own question you are able to perform at your best and be prepared for the interview.

Here are 10 questions you should ask the TV reporter prior to agreeing to be interviewed.

1. Have the journalist identify who they are.

Establishing a rapport with the person and knowing their name is vital. Write it down somewhere so you can recall it easily and remember the name prior to the interview. After the interview ask for a business card and add it to your media contact file.

2. What TV station they are from?

This will help put the interview in context. This seems like a very simple question however often media is syndicated and your interview exposed to a wider audience then expected.

3. What program they reporting for?

Is it news, current affairs or a lifestyle program? Again, this will help determine the style and context of interview. You are then more able to predict the types of questions or angle they will take on the subject.

4. What is their deadline?

The electronic media operates in a high pressure environment where seconds make a huge difference. If you know what the deadline is, you can get an understanding of the immediacy of the story. This will provide direction on whether the story will be broadcast on tonight's news or the call is just for background and research with no immediate deadline.

5. Will it be recorded or live?

Recorded interviews allow for editing. Live interviews have added pressures because there's no room for mistakes.

6. Will the interview be in the studio or in the field?

Studios tend to be very sterile, controlled and intimidating environments while a field interview can provide context for the story. If you can control the background visuals for the interview on your turf, with a company logo or product, this will help maximise free branding and promotional opportunities.

7. What is the news angle?

Hearing what the story is directly from the journalist will help provide direction and give you an opportunity to prepare suitable answers.

8. Who else are they interviewing?

Again, this will put the interview in context and help provide background. This type of information is vital when preparing a response or key messages.

9. Who is the target audience for the interview or program?

The more you understand who will be watching the interview the more targeted your message can be to that audience.

10. What are the logistics?

When, where and at what time will the interview be conducted? Being organised, prepared and as stress free as possible is essential for any TV interview. Allow plenty of time and be organised so you can perform at your best.

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com

limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Creating an email alias can help clean up your inbox by organizing emails based on purpose, like creating different aliases for shopping, newsletters and work.

A multipurpose robotic system promises to transform how items are stacked onto pallets, aiming to maximize space utilization and reduce shipping costs.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

The number of people affected by a UnitedHealth data breach in February 2024 was actually higher than previously reported and was the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.

A phishing campaign uses Google Calendar to schedule fake meeting invitations that appear legitimate, redirecting targets to phishing sites.

Toll road text scam: Fake messages claim unpaid fees, seek payment via fraudulent links. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says this scam is becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers tips on how to protect your identity: Be vigilant, monitor accounts, use smart security, know theft response.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says cybercriminals are exploiting iMessage phishing protection, tricking users to reactivate links.

It's hard to imagine life without in-flight Wi-Fi these days – but sky-high web surfing comes with its own set of privacy concerns. Here's how to protect yourself.

Over 400,000 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024 to the Federal Trade Commission. The CyberGuy explains how to protect against becoming another victim.

A nondescript metal box transforms into a fully functional electric motorcycle that blurs the line between vehicle and urban infrastructure.

Many apps unrelated to location still ask users for tracking permission, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to end this alleged practice by Allstate.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Melody, the artificial intelligence-powered robot, is life-sized and represents a move toward creating robots that resemble people in appearance and interaction.

Here are five easy smartphone rules from the National Security Agency that you can follow to better protect your mobile device from hackers and scammers.

A U.S. robotics company has developed "Jennie," a robotic pet powered by artificial intelligence that's designed to comfort those facing mental health challenges.

Healthcare records for more than 184 million Americans were breached in 2024, but you can take steps to minimize that risk. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

The Skyrider X1 from Rictor claims to be the "first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle," and it combines land and air travel in one sleek design.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Home inventory and restoration apps help itemize and track every item in your home in the event you have to make an insurance claim after a natural disaster.

The White House launched a new cybersecurity safety label, the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, intended to help consumers make informed decisions on smart device safety.

Today's tech can help make life so much easier — if you know how to use it. Here are a few tips on the quickest and best ways to make your phone, laptop and other devices work for you.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers Windows 11 restart fixes: Update drivers, run system scans and check hardware.

Sony and Honda's Afeela 1 EV launches with advanced tech and entertainment for $89,900. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives his takeaways.

Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Public Relations