What would you like to see in a book on broadcast interviewing?
I am fascinated with interviews on radio and TV. I do them myself or my radio and TV show and I teach the subject at a broadcasting school. In doing research on the subject I discovered there are very few books available on the subject and few of them are current. This is probably because it is a small niche and not worth pursuing from a money making standpoint. So I have decided to write a book on the subject that is up to date and covers what people want to learn now.
I have my own ideas about what should be in the book. I think the book should cover some newer technology that is being used in interviews now. For instance satellite transmission of the guest from a remote location or studio is shown and the host interviews the guest via the satellite transmission. Usually the guest cannot see the host and may even have difficulty hearing the host and brings in all kinds of communication issues that need to be dealt with. So I plan to cover how to deal with a satellite transmission interview.
And what about technology that is out of the mainstream but coming into use? Videobloggers do interviews, as do Podcasters, each with its own set of special circumstances for conducting interviews. I want to address them.
Then there are things like how to dress, how to act, how to ask questions, what types of questions to ask, qualifications of a good interviewer (physical, mental, etc). The list is endless.
But even though I am working hard to make sure I cover everything, I am bound to miss something. So what do you think a book on broadcast interviewing should cover.
I have two interview-based podcasts shows, Shrink Rap Radio and Wise Counsel. The interviews are most often conducted via Skype, which raises the sorts of issues you allude to in relation to satellite transmissions. We can’t see one another. In fact, it is difficult for me to cut in with a question because often my voice is not that loud on their end. I wish your book were already out, inasmuch as I am doing a presentation on interviews as an educational medium at the upcoming Podcast and New Media Expo in Ontrario, CA. I think one of the key ingredients for a good interview is genuine curiosity on the part of the interviewer. Two of my favorite interviewers are Terry Gross and Bill Moyers, both of NPR.
Comment by David Van Nuys, Ph.D. — September 2, 2007 @ 9:59 am
I would like a blow by blow description of how podcasts are done. From the interviewee’s point of view as well as the interviewer. What kind of equipment do you need, etc. I have been on radio interviews both remote and up close (local stations) plus some tv interviews (local). I remember they told me not to breath too hard or be too close to the mike. I don’t have a clue as to how podcasts are done but I’m interested on being on one after my new book comes out.
Comment by Barbara Hudgins — September 8, 2007 @ 3:08 pm