Questions to Ask Journalists
Thoughtful questions to ask journalists to understand their work, learn about the media industry, and gain insights into storytelling and communication.
1What drew you to journalism and what keeps you passionate about it?
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What drew you to journalism and what keeps you passionate about it?
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Why this works
Shows interest in their personal motivation and helps you understand what drives them in their career.
2What's your approach to finding and developing story ideas?
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What's your approach to finding and developing story ideas?
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Why this works
Reveals their creative process and gives you insights into how journalists identify compelling stories.
3How do you balance objectivity with the need to tell compelling stories?
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How do you balance objectivity with the need to tell compelling stories?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of the ethical challenges in journalism and helps you understand their approach to reporting.
4What are the most important skills for success in journalism today?
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What are the most important skills for success in journalism today?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what abilities are most valuable in the industry and what to focus on developing.
5How do you approach interviewing and what techniques work best for you?
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How do you approach interviewing and what techniques work best for you?
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Why this works
Shows their methodology for gathering information and gives you insights into effective communication techniques.
6What are the biggest challenges facing journalism today?
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What are the biggest challenges facing journalism today?
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Why this works
Shows you understand the industry context and demonstrates your interest in the broader challenges and opportunities.
7How do you handle sources who are reluctant to talk or provide information?
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How do you handle sources who are reluctant to talk or provide information?
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Why this works
Shows their problem-solving approach and gives you insights into how to build trust and gather information.
8What's your approach to fact-checking and ensuring accuracy?
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What's your approach to fact-checking and ensuring accuracy?
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Why this works
Reveals their commitment to truth and helps you understand how to verify information and maintain credibility.
9How do you stay current with news and trends in your beat or area of coverage?
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How do you stay current with news and trends in your beat or area of coverage?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to continuous learning and helps you understand how to stay informed about your field.
10What are the most rewarding aspects of working in journalism?
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What are the most rewarding aspects of working in journalism?
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Why this works
Gets personal insights about job satisfaction and helps you understand what makes the work fulfilling.
11How do you approach writing for different audiences and platforms?
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How do you approach writing for different audiences and platforms?
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Why this works
Shows their adaptability and helps you understand how to tailor communication for different contexts.
12What are the most important ethical considerations in journalism?
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What are the most important ethical considerations in journalism?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the moral framework that guides their work and the principles of responsible reporting.
13How do you handle criticism or pushback on your reporting?
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How do you handle criticism or pushback on your reporting?
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Why this works
Shows their resilience and gives you insights into how to handle feedback and maintain professional standards.
14What are the opportunities for specialization or niche reporting in journalism?
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What are the opportunities for specialization or niche reporting in journalism?
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Why this works
Helps you understand career progression options and whether there are areas of journalism that interest you.
15How do you approach storytelling and what makes a story compelling?
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How do you approach storytelling and what makes a story compelling?
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Why this works
Reveals their creative approach and helps you understand how to craft engaging narratives.
16What are the most important trends in media and journalism that I should be aware of?
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What are the most important trends in media and journalism that I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Demonstrates your interest in staying current with industry developments and shows you're thinking about the future.
17How do you approach working with editors and other team members?
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How do you approach working with editors and other team members?
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Why this works
Shows their collaboration skills and helps you understand how to work effectively in a newsroom environment.
18What advice would you give to someone considering a career in journalism?
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What advice would you give to someone considering a career in journalism?
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Why this works
Provides valuable career guidance and helps you understand what it takes to succeed in the profession.
19How do you approach technology and what tools do you find most effective?
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How do you approach technology and what tools do you find most effective?
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Why this works
Reveals their technology adoption and helps you understand what tools and systems are most valuable for success.
20What's the most important thing you've learned about communication and storytelling?
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What's the most important thing you've learned about communication and storytelling?
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Why this works
Gets personal insights about what matters most for effective communication and helps you understand their expertise.
Learning from Journalism Professionals
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Be Respectful of Their Time
Remember that journalists are busy professionals. Be respectful of their time and come prepared with thoughtful questions.
Ask Specific Questions
Ask questions that show genuine interest and help you understand the profession better, not just questions you think you should ask.
Listen and Take Notes
Pay attention to their answers and take notes so you can remember important details later.
Question Sequences
The Career Understanding Sequence
The Skills and Techniques Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Personal Opinions on Controversial Topics
Avoid asking about their personal views on controversial subjects. Focus on their professional insights and techniques.
Avoid Generic Questions
Make your questions specific to journalism and their experience rather than asking generic questions about communication.
Don't Ignore Their Advice
If they give you specific advice or recommendations, take it seriously and follow up on their suggestions.