For The Record

I can't count how many times over the years, as a reporter, I have been asked "why are you recording this interview?" It is a question I was asked once again recently.

Sometimes I actually haven't used a recorder; however, there are times when I think it is necessary.

Simply said, it is for protection. Protection for me as the interviewer and for the person being interviewed. Let's face it, people are human and people, make mistakes. I don't like to make mistakes. And yet, no matter how hard I try, it still happens from time to time. 

And I'm not the only reporter who uses a recorder for their interviews. Most do. In fact, I doubt many in the mainstream media realm do anything but record these days. 

Why does one need protection? Well, if the person being interviewed denies saying what you reported - there can be a problem. Having them on tape alleviates the question as to who said what. 

What happens when it isn't recorded? If an interview isn't recorded, then it can only be shared through notes taken by the interviewer, which won't be as effective as the direct audio of the interview. Plus, just because it's "written down" doesn't mean it is factual or can be proven to be factual. Recording the interview makes sure everything shared is first hand information, which is a more effective form of communication. 

Add that to the fact the interviewer may not hear things the way they were said or miss something that changes the entire meaning of what was said. 

It doesn't always happen that things are documented incorrectly - but it can happen. 

My point is, if an interviewer says they want to record an interview you are a part of, don't be afraid of that recording device. Unless, of course, you say something that could get you in trouble. My advice then is not to say things like that. 

Be glad the one interviewing you is evidently (hopefully) just trying to get it right. And still, what you hear may not come out right - spelling is something you can't always get right without asking. 

Not all reporters do it, but if I'm interviewing someone about something that is more in line with a feature story, I will tell them if they say something they don't want in the story to say it on the tape and it won't go in. News stories are not, and should not, be done that way.

Again, that is something I do (and I have seen some others do it as well). It is more of a courtesy, for information that is more of a personal nature that does not affect anyone else but the one being interviewed. 

Actually, most of the time, I use a combination of things when doing an interview. I not only record, but also write notes as the person is speaking. Sometimes that is just to make notations of important aspects I want to ensure are included in any piece I write. It can also be a notation of something I want more information on.

One thing every reporter should do is keep their notes and recordings for a satisfactory amount of time following interviews. You never know when there will be someone questioning what you have done. 

Again, if you have ever wondered why an interview you are a part of is being recorded, or felt in the least bit intimidated by that fact - I hope this clears it up. I also hope it makes you feel more comfortable the next time one is brought out.

Not all in the media are paparazzi minded. Not all of them are "out to get" someone. Most are there to report the facts. To provide the truth. To tell the story. To make a difference.

When I first started out in the media that is what drew me to it - especially the part about "making a difference."