Broadcast Journalism 101: Broadcast Interviewing and Presentation Handling Difficult or Evasive Guests

What This Is

Handling difficult or evasive guests is a crucial skill for broadcast journalists, as it requires the ability to think on your feet, stay calm under pressure, and extract relevant information from a reluctant or uncooperative source. A well-executed interview can make or break a story, and a seasoned journalist knows how to navigate these situations with ease. For example, during the 2019 BBC News interview with Prince Andrew, journalist Emily Maitlis skillfully handled the Duke of York's evasive responses, keeping the conversation on track and extracting key information.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: Reporter speaking directly to camera on location – adds authority and a sense of place; use to transition or prove you’re there.
• Nat sound (Natural Sound): Background audio recorded on location – brings a story to life; never leave home without recording room tone.
• Cutaway: A secondary visual element used to break up an interview or add context; use to illustrate a point or provide a visual break.
• B-roll: Secondary footage used to enhance a story; use to add visual interest or provide context.
• L-cut: A type of edit where the audio and video are not perfectly synchronized; use to create a seamless transition.
• Voice-over (VO): A narrator's voice recorded over a visual element; use to provide context or explain a complex concept.
• Soundbite: A short, memorable quote from an interviewee; use to add flavor and interest to a story.
• Package: A self-contained broadcast element that includes a stand-up, interview, and B-roll; use to tell a complete story.
• VOSOT (Voice-Over, Stand-up, Soundbite, and Tape): A type of package that includes a voice-over, stand-up, soundbite, and B-roll; use to quickly deliver breaking news.
• Cardioid mic pattern: A type of microphone pickup pattern that focuses on the front and rejects background noise; use for interviews in noisy environments.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Write a 30-second reader: Start by writing a clear and concise script that includes a brief introduction, a key quote, and a conclusion. Use a simple, conversational tone and avoid jargon or technical terms. Format the script with a clear headline, a brief summary, and a call-to-action.
2. Structure a 90-second package: Begin by writing a clear and concise script that includes a brief introduction, a key interview, and a conclusion. Use a simple, conversational tone and avoid jargon or technical terms. Format the script with a clear headline, a brief summary, and a call-to-action. Use a mix of stand-up, interview, and B-roll to keep the story engaging and visually interesting.
3. Set up a three-point lighting interview: Start by setting up a basic three-point lighting system with a key light, fill light, and backlight. Use a softbox or umbrella light for the key light and a fill light to soften the shadows. Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background and create depth.
4. Record a clean voice-over: Start by recording a clear and concise voice-over that includes a brief introduction, a key quote, and a conclusion. Use a high-quality microphone and a quiet recording space to minimize background noise. Edit the voice-over in Adobe Audition or Audacity to remove any mistakes or unwanted sounds.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – this can sound stilted and unnatural, and may not be engaging for the audience.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – this can result in an unflattering color cast and may make the subject look unhealthy or unattractive.
• Mistake: Not using a lavalier microphone – this can result in poor audio quality and may make the subject sound distant or muffled.
• Mistake: Not using a tripod – this can result in shaky or unstable footage and may make the subject look unprofessional.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Writing a clear and concise script, conducting a successful interview, and editing a package in Adobe Premiere or Audition.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, knowing when to use a l-cut or a J-cut, and understanding the different types of microphone pickup patterns.
• What assessors look for: A clear and concise script, a well-executed interview, and a well-edited package that tells a complete story.

Quick Practice Scenario

You arrive at a protest and only have 20 minutes before the live cross. What do you shoot first?

Answer: You shoot a stand-up to establish your location and provide context for the story. You then shoot B-roll of the protest to add visual interest and provide a sense of the scene. Finally, you conduct an interview with a key participant to get their perspective on the story.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: Stand-up, nat sound, cutaway, B-roll, l-cut, voice-over, soundbite, package, VOSOT, cardioid mic pattern.
• Camera settings: Use a tripod to stabilize the camera, and adjust the white balance to match the lighting conditions.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear and concise script, and format the script with a clear headline, a brief summary, and a call-to-action.
• Common pitfalls: Avoid reading a print article on air without rewriting, and make sure to white balance and use a lavalier microphone.
• ⚠️ On-air traps: Avoid using a shaky or unstable camera, and make sure to use a high-quality microphone to minimize background noise.