JOURNALISTIC INTERN: HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO
posted by Michael Chihak
By DIANA SOKOLOVA, ARIZONA WEEK INTERN
Journalism includes a tremendous amount of background work, which often is left unnoticed. Before a journalist can report or write about something, he or she must do extensive research, both for the background of the topic and as a quest for people who suitable for interviewing.
Finding suitable people is one thing, but getting them for the interview, especially an on-camera interview, is another part of the TV journalist’s job. Luck and coincidences play a very important role in this quest along with professionalism.
Recently I was asked to get the director of Navajo Nation Economic Development Division for an interview. The crew and the host of the program, Michael Chihak, was going to travel to the Navajo Reservation for this interview.
As usual, time was tight. After getting the number and the name of the new director of the division, I started my hunt. After my numerous phone calls and messages on voice mail, I got no reply for two days.
I was getting desperate as the deadline was approaching. On my third day I was determined to get if not the director himself, then someone else from the division for the interview. This time, I wasn’t going to leave another message but decided to talk to whoever picked up, explain my situation and get advice on who would be willing to give an interview.
This time, luck was on my side. I was on the phone with someone in the division, who shared that the director received all my messages, but he wasn’t sure if he could give an interview, because by Navajo protocol, the director had to discuss the possible interview with the president of the Navajo Nation, Ben Shelly.
My goal was to get Albert Damon for the interview -- 30 minutes, no more, simple as that. I also did not understand why the director wouldn’t return my calls and tell me about the protocol procedure. I was lost. The whole travel route and a week's schedule of the crew depended on this interview.
Later that day I talked to the director of the division, who said Navajo President Shelly might give us an interview himself. Shelly hadn’t had an interview with anyone for a while. It would have been such a great asset for our program.
I got in touch with his personal assistant and after negotiation, she confirmed his availability. I was thrilled.
A journalist should always be prepared for unexpected shifts and changes in interviews and have a Plan B. Interview time, dates, people – all of it can change last minute without warning.
A journalist has to be determined and devoted to what the task. At the end of the day, if you did everything possible and have a little bit of luck, you will get a phone call confirming an interview.
(Editor's note: Navajo President Ben Shelly spent nearly 30 minutes with Arizona Week host Michael Chihak on Tuesday, July 12. The interview will air in early August.)
