1What is online journalism? - Ayo Menulis FISIP UAJY

The core journalism 53
demonstrate fear. However, nor should they try to blind their
interviewee with their brilliance and knowledge. Often a slightly
diffident approach, underpinned with a thorough understanding,
can work wonders. ‘This might seem like a stupid question . . .’
should be the preamble to your most incisive enquiry. It’s known
as the ‘Columbo’ school of questioning perfected by Peter Falk in
the 1970s TV police series. Each week he would interview
suspects, feigning ignorance to gain knowledge. Young journalists
sometimes invert this process, with the inevitable disastrous
consequences.
Observational and empathetic technique
Feature writers for newspapers, in particular, will employ a range
of interview techniques that go beyond the core tasks of gathering
news, information and views. These techniques can be applied in
other media, including online.
Feature writers often place much emphasis on exploring the
character and circumstance of the interviewee, namely who are
they and what makes them tick. So as well as concentrating on
what they say and hear, these journalists also rely on what they
see. Such observational reporting also complements a narrative
writing style.
Feature writers often choose to interview someone at home or
in the workplace because these surroundings will tell them much
about the person and help them paint a more vivid picture.
Photographs, mementoes, even books in a room, can all reveal
new insights and spark off fresh lines of questioning.
They will also take time to build up a rapport with the
interviewee. They will check details, demonstrate their desire to
get a true picture and even share experiences. This can make it
easier to ask the interviewee to relive events and explore
emotions without having to employ that most crass of questions,
when used in isolation, of ‘How do you feel?’.
This technique is not like the hurried news interview. It needs
to be face-to-face and usually takes time. Journalists should always
act with sensitivity, sincerity and integrity; but these qualities are
in particular demand in these interviews. The journalist is asking
the interview subject to provide the raw material for a story that