Essential Journalistic Genres and Interview Approaches

Classification of Journalistic Genres

Journalistic genres can be broadly categorized based on their primary focus:

• Informational: This genre sticks strictly to facts, without expressing judgment or opinion. Examples include news reports, factual interviews, and objective reports.
• Hybrid: Combines factual information with the reporter's views or interpretations. Examples include columns and chronicles.
• Opinion-Based: Expresses a specific point of view or opinion on an event or news. Examples include articles and editorials.

Understanding the Interview Process

An interview consists of a conversation between a reporter and an interviewee, conducted to gather information or opinions of public interest.

Interview Classifications by Alex Cox

Alex Cox categorizes interviews based on their primary objective:

• News Interview: Focuses on the facts of an event, prioritizing what happened over who is involved.
• Opinion Interview: Emphasizes the interviewee's point of view, focusing on who is speaking.
• Profile (Semblanza): Aims to portray the character, highlighting their physical, psychological, and biographical anecdotes.

Interview Classifications by Guillermina Baena

Guillermina Baena identifies these common interview formats:

• Question-Answer: A classic, straightforward interview format.
• Exclusive Interview: A unique interview granted solely to one reporter or publication.
• Press Conference: An event where multiple reporters ask questions to a single interviewee.

Interview Classifications by Gabriel Bauduco

Gabriel Bauduco offers a more detailed classification of interview types:

• Information-Statements: A broad category where the reporter gathers statements from all affected parties on specific topics.
• Profiles: Seeks to create a physical and psychological portrait of the interviewee.
• Opinion: More analytical, often featuring extensive responses from the interviewee.
• Assault Interview: The reporter surprises the interviewee with questions.
• Survey: A mode of interview where the reporter asks the same question to several guests, gathering multiple responses simultaneously.
• Standby: Involves interviewing an imaginary character.
• Ping-Pong: A rapid, question-and-answer format, often a long questionnaire completed quickly.

Steps in a Print Interview

A successful print interview typically follows these stages:

1. Preparation
2. Implementation (Realization)
3. Data Analysis
4. Editing
5. Publication

1. Preparation

Preparation is the crucial first step, involving both remote and immediate actions.

Remote Preparation

This includes:

• Journalistic reading
• Literary reading
• Consulting newspaper archives

2. Realization of the Interview

Key aspects during the interview itself include:

• Punctuality
• Appropriate presentation
• Carrying all necessary material

Epilogue of the Interview

The epilogue is the final moment of the interview, where the reporter aims to establish a common ground or rapport with the interviewee.

Effective Interview Opening Styles

Types of Interview Leads (Entradas)

The opening of an interview piece can take various forms to engage the reader:

• Summary Lead: Summarizes the core information with clarity and simplicity.
• Direct Call Lead: Uses a personal appeal or direct address to the reader.
• Circumstantial Lead: Begins by setting the conditions or context under which the interview took place.
• Direct Quote Lead: Starts with a direct, textual statement from the interviewee.
• Description Lead: Describes the setting or environment where the interview occurred.
• Suspense Lead: Aims to create intrigue and draw the reader in.
• Tabulated Lead: Presents information in a structured, often list-like, format.
• Sensational Lead: Uses the most shocking or attention-grabbing element to begin.