For the interview assignment, students work in groups of 2 or 3 and .docx
- 1. For the interview assignment, students work in groups of 2 or 3 and are responsible for booking, traveling and interviewing a media professional on ONE media issue approved by the professor. The interview will then be turned into a separate 3-4 page report from each student following the directions below. Topics to Consider: 1. Ethical Advertising 2. Hard News Decisions 3. Job Challenges 4. Getting a Job 5. Censorship 6. Advertorials 7. Media Bias 8. Graphic Manipulation 9. News Violence 10. Portrayal of Society/Race 11. Portrayal of a Politician 12. Gossip & Tabloids 13. Age & Culture in Music 14. Sports Bias 15. Target Marketing Interview Guidelines 1. You must choose only ONE topic to focus the entire interview on. 2. Your goal is to capture the subject’s logos (logical), pathos (emotional) & ethos (ethical) views on whichever media issue that you and your partner choose. 3. Most importantly, avoid asking questions that could result in a simple “Yes” or “No” answer! 4. You should ask at least 10 total questions focused a subject related to the interviewee. Before the Interview 1. Bring a recording device. Interviewees can grow impatient if you try taking notes. 2. Bring written quotes or facts with you (helpful when reciting statistics). 3. Leave early to assure you arrive on time. 4. Turn off your cell phone. 5. Learn everything you can about the person before you make contact. 6. Don’t think of it as an interview, but a conversation and a great connected learning opportunity. During the Interview 1. Ask your key questions first, but save the tough questions for later. 2. Smile when asking each question and you will get a more enthusiastic answer. 3. Don’t be afraid to appear ignorant. A good interviewer doesn’t know everything—just how to learn. 4. Don’t always ask questions. Try "Tell me your thoughts on…" & "Describe your reaction to…" 5. Listen carefully. Don’t worry about your next question— it will come to you. 6. Thank him/her in person and follow up with a written thank you note in the mail. 7. Don’t forget to take a business card or picture with the media pro for proof of your interview!
- 2. Writing the Report Combine quotes from the interview with your own research to write a 3 to 4-page report (1,000 word count minimum) on the topic of the interview. The introduction should list 1) who you interviewed, 2) what you focused on, as well as 3) when, 4) where and how you did it. The body should consist of paragraphs based on the questions you asked, as well as your own comments and research. Use some quotes from the interview (approx. one quote per page is usually sufficient). Conclude by summarizing what you discussed and what was learned from this project. The paper must be typed. Set margins to 1 inch all around. Use the Times New Roman font, size 12, double-spaced. Write the entire paper in past tense. On the last page, please attach a scan of the media professional’s business card or a photo of you with him/her to your paper!