What is the primary purpose of conducting an interview in journalism?

• A. To entertain the audience
• B. To gather firsthand accounts, insights, and quotes from sources
• C. To analyze historical contexts
• D. To publish promotional content

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of conducting an interview in journalism is to gather firsthand accounts, insights, and quotes from sources. Interviews are a vital tool for journalists as they provide direct information from individuals who have knowledge or experience related to a specific event or topic. This firsthand information is crucial for creating accurate, engaging, and informative narratives or reports.

Interviews help journalists capture the voices and perspectives of various stakeholders, allowing for a richer and more nuanced portrayal of the story. By obtaining direct quotes and insights, journalists can present information that is credible and adds depth to their reporting, which is essential for informing the audience and enhancing the overall quality of the journalism.

In contrast, entertaining the audience or publishing promotional content does not align with the core investigative and informative goals of journalism. While some interviews may have an entertainment value, the primary focus remains on uncovering and disseminating factual information. Analyzing historical contexts, while important, is not the main reason for conducting interviews, as interviews primarily serve to capture current perspectives and accounts rather than a historical analysis.