Broadcast Journalism 101: Radio and Podcast Journalism - Radio Interviewing Techniques

What This Is

Radio interviewing techniques are essential for broadcast journalists to effectively gather information, build rapport with sources, and craft compelling stories. A well-executed radio interview can make or break a news package, and it's crucial for early-career reporters to master this skill. For instance, consider a breaking news story where a reporter needs to quickly gather information from a witness. A VOSOT (Voice of the Subject Over Still Image) package can be created by combining video, voice, and a soundbite to deliver the story quickly. Let's say a BBC reporter is covering a natural disaster, and they need to get a quote from a local resident. The reporter would use a radio interviewing technique to gather the quote, and then use it in a VOSOT package to deliver the story.

Key Terms & Production Elements

• Stand-up: A 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.
• Lavalier microphone: A small microphone clipped to a subject's clothing – ideal for interviews; use to capture clear, crisp audio.
• Shotgun microphone: A directional microphone used to capture audio from a specific source – useful for interviews; use to reduce background noise.
• Gain: The level of audio signal being recorded – adjust to avoid distortion or low volume; use to optimize audio levels.
• Iris: The camera aperture – adjust to control the amount of light entering the camera; use to achieve the desired exposure.
• Cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern: Cardioid microphones pick up sound from the front and sides, while shotgun microphones are highly directional; use to choose the right microphone for the job.
• Boom pole: A long pole used to position a microphone above a subject's head – useful for interviews; use to capture clear, crisp audio.
• Pop filter: A device used to reduce plosive sounds (e.g., "p" and "t") – use to improve audio quality.
• Audio editing software: Programs like Audacity or Adobe Audition used to edit and mix audio – use to enhance the sound of your interview.

Step-by-Step Production How-To

1. Conducting a Radio Interview:
   • Research the subject and prepare questions in advance.
   • Use a lavalier microphone to capture clear, crisp audio.
   • Position the microphone 6-8 inches from the subject's mouth.
   • Use a boom pole to position the microphone above the subject's head.
   • Record the interview in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
2. Recording a Clean Voice-Over:
   • Use a shotgun microphone to capture audio from a specific source.
   • Position the microphone 6-8 inches from the subject's mouth.
   • Use a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds.
   • Record the voice-over in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
3. Setting up a Three-Point Lighting Interview:
   • Use a key light to illuminate the subject's face.
   • Use a fill light to soften the shadows.
   • Use a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
   • Adjust the lighting to achieve the desired exposure.
4. Structuring a 90-Second Package:
   • Write a clear, concise script.
   • Use a VOSOT format to deliver the story.
   • Include a stand-up to add authority and a sense of place.
   • Use nat sound to bring the story to life.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Reading a print article on air without rewriting – this can sound robotic and unnatural.
• Mistake: Forgetting to white balance – this can result in an unflattering color cast.
• Mistake: Not using a pop filter – this can result in plosive sounds and poor audio quality.
• Mistake: Not adjusting the gain – this can result in distortion or low volume.

Broadcast Exam / Newsroom Assessment Tips

• Typical skill tests: Conducting a radio interview, recording a clean voice-over, and setting up a three-point lighting interview.
• Tricky distinctions: Understanding the difference between a package and a VOSOT, and knowing when to use gain vs iris.
• What assessors look for: Clear, concise writing, effective use of nat sound, and a well-executed stand-up.

Quick Practice Scenario

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

Answer: You would shoot a stand-up to add authority and a sense of place. You would then use nat sound to bring the story to life and capture the atmosphere of the protest.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Must-know terms: VOSOT, nat sound, lavalier microphone, shotgun microphone, gain, iris, cardioid vs shotgun mic pattern.
• Camera settings: Aperture (iris), shutter speed, ISO.
• Script formatting rules: Use a clear, concise script, and include a stand-up to add authority and a sense of place.
• Common pitfalls: Reading a print article on air without rewriting, forgetting to white balance, not using a pop filter, not adjusting the gain.