Why do interviewers write notes during an interview when the whole thing is on tape anyway?

Answer 1

Personal observations, later questions, inconsistencies, many reasons

Answer 2

During the course of the interview they hear sentences and sound bites they know are very good, so they make a note of it. Some will peek at the counter on the recorder and note where it is on the tape.

Answer 3

Think of the interview as a lie detector test, without all of the hookups. You have to watch the body language, and especially the eyes, and write down impressions. Ask tough questions and then observe. Of course, it doesn't work in a telephone or satelite interview...it has to be face to face. I've never done an interview so, you wonder, how do I know so much about it. Well, obviously, I don't!

Answer 4

When the reporter is interviewing a subject for a news article it is of utmost importance for the reporter to be accurate. He or she depends on their taping incase they've missed anything important the subject was saying while they were writing down notes. It would be a little awkward to say, " would you slow down a little bit so I could write this down!"
So, the reporter's tape recorder become a valuable tool to his profession. It clarifies important statements and quotes the reporter has jotted down so that he can go back and pick up anything he didn't get fully written down. Also to clarify spellings, etc and is the reporter's back up system, just as you would back up your computer's HD and other important documents.
Also, useful in case of libel.

Answer 5

It's backup. You don't get second chances with most interviews so the reporter has to be very sure they get something in case the battery dies on the tape machine or their papers get so soaked from a rain storm that they become unreadable.

Answer 6

Some words on the tape isn't heard quite clearly...

so they take up some notes for verification....



or maybe the'yre just playing Tic Tac Toe with themselves......

Answer 7

they´re probably writing down what impression they get, not taking notes on what you´re actually saying.
ex: "looks nervous", "confident" or something like that.