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News and current affairs is one of the most common formats for covering issues related to disasters and risk reduction. Interviews often inform this content and the following guidance can help ensure they result in useful exchanges that help the public make informed decisions towards risk reduction.

Effective media interviews will have:

• An agreed purpose shared by the journalist and interviewee;
• The right questions for the purpose;
• The right interviewee for the purpose;
• Clear and focused questions and answers;
• No jargon or abbreviations;
• Balance (airing other opinions or giving both sides of a story);
• Factual and not misleading information;
• Suggested solutions or practical actions.

How journalists can conduct good interviews for DRR:

• Conduct research in advance (to understand key issues and to select the right interviewee based on their background).
• Put yourself in the position of the audience, to ask questions that reflect their needs and concerns.
• Know what you want the audience to feel and do.
• Help the interviewee to give the best information they can – consider sharing questions in advance so they can prepare.
• Listen to the interviewee and follow up any key points they make to help audiences understand.
• Ask clear and simple questions, and rephrase them if necessary.
• Ask one question at a time.

How can an expert or representative do a good interview?

• Prepare in advance, making sure they understand the target audience’s needs, know the points they want to get across and have key information ready.
• Find out about broad question areas and define the interview parameters in advance (so they are not asked about things they do not know).
• Dress right for the situation for any filmed interviews (eg smart attire for studio interviews or work clothes for interviews from the field).
• Be honest and confident in their answers.
• Never promise anything they cannot deliver.
• Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the audience might not understand.
• Do not focus on promoting their organisation.
• If necessary, make any corrections or clarifications as soon as possible.
• Make sure the interviewer receives all of the information they need.

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