Expert Interviews: Get the Story Right in 2026

The Complete Guide to Expert Interviews in 2026: Getting the Story Right

Expert interviews are the lifeblood of compelling news, offering depth and credibility that can’t be found elsewhere. But are you truly prepared to conduct effective expert interviews in the fast-paced news cycle of 2026? Will your techniques capture the insights that matter most, or will you be left with soundbites and missed opportunities?

Preparing for the Interview: Laying the Groundwork

The key to a successful expert interview lies in the preparation. You can’t just wing it and expect to get insightful, usable quotes. It starts with identifying the right expert. Don’t just Google “expert” – think about who really has the knowledge and experience to speak on the topic. Are they academics, industry leaders, or perhaps even individuals with lived experience?

Next, dive deep into their work. Read their publications, watch their presentations, and understand their perspective. This not only helps you formulate intelligent questions but also establishes credibility when you finally speak with them. A little effort goes a long way. I had a client last year who completely skipped this step and ended up asking questions that were already answered in the expert’s readily available research. Embarrassing and a waste of everyone’s time. To get the story right in 2026, preparation is key, as is using analytical news techniques.

Conducting the Interview: Techniques for Eliciting Insight

Now for the main event. It’s 2026, so chances are your interview will be remote. Platforms like Google Meet and Zoom are still dominant, but look for tools with built-in transcription and AI-powered analysis. These can save you hours of manual note-taking.

• Start with rapport: Begin with a brief, friendly conversation to put the expert at ease. Ask about their recent work or a topic they’re passionate about.
• Ask open-ended questions: Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, encourage the expert to elaborate with questions like, “What are the key challenges facing the industry today?” or “How has this issue evolved over the past five years?”
• Listen actively: Pay attention to not just what the expert says, but also how they say it. Note their tone, body language (if visible), and any hesitations. Follow up on interesting points with clarifying questions.
• Don’t be afraid to challenge: A respectful challenge can often lead to deeper insights. If you disagree with something the expert says, politely present an alternative viewpoint and ask for their response. Be careful here; you don’t want to alienate your source.
• Be mindful of time: Experts are busy people. Stick to your agreed-upon timeframe and thank them for their time.

Ethical Considerations in Expert Interviews

Ethics are paramount, especially when interviewing vulnerable individuals or dealing with sensitive topics. Always obtain informed consent, explaining the purpose of the interview, how the information will be used, and who will have access to it.

Be transparent about your role as a journalist and avoid misrepresenting yourself or your intentions. If the expert is sharing personal or potentially damaging information, offer them the opportunity to review and approve the quotes before publication. Provide access to resources if the interview touches on sensitive topics. For example, if you’re interviewing someone about mental health, provide them with contact information for the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225. You can also follow the lead of other journalists and conduct expert interviews to boost credibility.

Fact-Checking and Verification: Ensuring Accuracy

In the age of misinformation, fact-checking is more crucial than ever. Never take an expert’s word as gospel. Cross-reference their statements with other credible sources, such as academic studies, government reports, and reputable news organizations. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, trust in news media remains low, so we must do everything to build trust. With AI reshaping news, the need for accuracy is even more urgent.

Verify statistics, dates, and other factual information. Use tools like the Snopes fact-checking website to debunk common myths and misinformation. If you find discrepancies, contact the expert and give them an opportunity to clarify. Remember, your reputation depends on accuracy.

Case Study: Interviewing Dr. Anya Sharma on Climate Change in Atlanta

Let’s say I’m writing a piece on the impact of climate change on Atlanta’s infrastructure for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. I want to interview Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of environmental science at Georgia Tech, who specializes in urban climate resilience.

• Preparation: I spend two days reviewing Dr. Sharma’s publications, including her recent paper on the vulnerability of Atlanta’s water supply to extreme weather events. I also read articles about her work in the AJC archives.
• Interview: I conduct a 45-minute interview via Zoom. I start by asking about her background and her current research. Then, I ask specific questions about the potential impact of rising temperatures and increased rainfall on Atlanta’s water and transportation systems. I ask, “Dr. Sharma, your research indicates that the intersection of Northside Drive and I-75 is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Can you elaborate on that?” She explains the specific drainage issues in that area and the potential consequences for traffic and property damage.
• Fact-Checking: After the interview, I verify Dr. Sharma’s statements with data from the City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management and the Georgia Department of Transportation. I also consult a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on climate change impacts in the Southeast.
• Outcome: The resulting article includes several impactful quotes from Dr. Sharma, backed up by solid data and verification. The article is well-received by readers and generates significant discussion online.

Staying Updated on Interview Technology

The tools of the trade are constantly evolving. Keep an eye on advancements in AI-powered transcription, sentiment analysis, and remote collaboration platforms. Some tools now offer real-time translation, which is invaluable when interviewing experts who speak different languages. Experiment with new technologies and find what works best for your workflow. The days of relying solely on a notepad and pen are long gone. It’s crucial to spot emerging trends and adapt your methods accordingly.

Conclusion

Mastering expert interviews in 2026 requires a blend of journalistic skill, ethical awareness, and technological savvy. By prioritizing thorough preparation, employing effective interviewing techniques, and rigorously fact-checking information, you can produce news that is both informative and credible. The single most important thing to do right now is to research and test at least three different transcription tools to see which best fits your needs and budget. Don’t wait until your deadline is looming.