ABSTRACT
To journalists, then, the word interview means two things – the conversation a reporter has with someone, as well as the copy into which the words may subsequently be shaped. Such conversations can cover a wide range of encounters. The news reporter’s two-minute chat on the telephone to get an instant quote in reaction to an item of news is the quickest. Other news coverage might demand longer discussions by telephone, face to face, or even by email to get the outline of a new policy, details of a new product, or more extensive views about news events. Longer briefing discussions with contacts might take place over lunch.
