Why are people hesitant to talk to reporters?

Question

If I approach a 'person on the street' for the opinion on something, they more often than not are unwilling to be interviewed... why?

I'm not grilling them on anything or trying to catch them in a lie...I'm just trying to get their opinions on stuff...

Answer 1

I've found that people tend to be a little intimidated when you say you're a reporter. For one, they aren't sure they can trust you, and yet, you're asking them to share opinions they don't just give out to strangers. Secondly, reporters have a reputation for editing quotes for impact or just down right misquoting. Finally, it might be you. You might take a critical look at how you're approaching people, what you're saying and how you say it. While you know you aren't searching for a family secret, there might be something in your behavior or words that are putting people off.

I've found that if I can quickly (within the first 5 seconds or so) put people at ease, I'm liable to gain their trust enough to get some good quotes. It doesn't always work, but 7 out of 10 times it will. Usually a smile, identifying myself and even having a copy of the paper with me helps (if it's a regular feature, I show them last week's, so they can see what I'm looking for). It gives them something to look at and to show I'm not threatening. Sometimes making a little small talk before you jump into the Q&A helps... a sincere compliment to break the ice never hurts either.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Because if you have ever been mis-quoted by a reporter, or quoted out of context, so that it confused and enraged viewers, you would understand that reporters are just video-pimps, looking for ratings, and scintillation.

Journalists, on the other hand, should be held to the highest standards of the public trust. Without journalists, America would truly, without a doubt, be a fascist police state. That doesn't mean that it isn't on its way to becoming such a state. Only journalists, and private citizens unafraid of the truth, can prevent fascism!

Answer 3

They may lack self esteem or they didn't want to be seen on TV because they should have been somewhere else, or maybe they are "wanted". It's possible they are so shallow they don't have an opinion on anything or they play both sides of the fence to be more popular and by being seen on TV they would be caught. Maybe they are having a bad hair day. Maybe they have to go to the restroom. Maybe you could bait them in you know, call them on it. Like, say, are you so uninvolved or uncaring that you honestly don't have an opinion on this issue?

Answer 4

Its is amazing that more people do not pick up on this, He is clearly suffering through his last few months. I keep watching the 6:00 news to hear when his 6th cancer surgery will be scheduled. Unfortunately, there is no similar life-extending treatment for his brain atrophy. He will be dead by spring. Hopefully that will only mean a new Senator from Arizona, and not that the the second runner up to the 1984 Miss Alaska pagent, dedicated animal murderer, and prostitute for big oil will become president.

Answer 5

I think it's because a lot of people can be fired for speaking their genuine opinion on a given topic, especially if it's somewhat controversial. People can't even write blogs under their real name, because there are so many stories about people being fired for what they wrote. This is even if the topic has nothing whatsoever to do with their job.
For example, if a reporter asked me what I think about affirmative action, gays in the military,or about terrorism, or about trade with China and I tell the truth about what I think, my boss might read what I said in the newspaper or see my goofy face on TV and fire my hide.
There may be freedom of the press, but there is no freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a fallacy.

Answer 6

Because the few past bad reporters in your time gave the profession a bad name. They likely misquoted people, spelled names wrong or got facts wrong, and they don't see you as a separate person. You're the girl at the paper that screws up.

Answer 7

Probably for the same reason that Michael Moore will only do live interviews, now... whatever you say can be edited to sound like whatever the editor wants you to be saying!

Answer 8

Because no matter who you are the media will twist everything to get a better story out of it and possibly make you look like a jackass

Answer 9

Because they will twist your words into what they think makes a good story.

Answer 10

Maybe they are afraid they will sound stupid, or maybe they are having a bad hair day, kids could be crying, bad timing, etc.