By Lynn Walsh, Texas Watchdog

A camera can capture great moments, making stories more interesting and realistic for viewers. But, video as a medium can also make a reporters job a little harder, especially if no one is talking to you.

As an investigative video journalist for Texas Watchdog, I run into this problem more often then I would like, but, along the way I have learned to prepare in advance for these situations. Whether it is a phone call that is never returned or an e-mail that goes without a reply, here are some tips on creating video elements even when people refuse to talk with you or are ignoring you.

1. Record all phone calls. I cannot stress this enough. While it may just be audio that is recording, it can quickly be turned into video using still images of the person you are calling or b-roll from a previous story. Just remember to begin recording as soon as you pick up the phone to dial. The sounds of the buttons dialing, the ringing on the other end of the call, the voicemail greeting of the person you are calling and the message or in most cases messages you leave are all important elements in the story. Whether it is used for nat sound at end or turns out to be the main SOT's in your story, you will be better off with all of it than without it.

2. Put the camera on yourself. Instead of just telling your viewers you tried over and over again to get the answers. Show them. Set up a video camera and record yourself leaving the messages. Use these as Nat pops in the story or as major elements.

3. Use the e-mails. The same goes with e-mails. If you sent 50 different e-mails and never received a response, why not print them out and use them as b-roll or in a stand-up. You could also set up a camera and record yourself sending the e-mails from the beginning. Sometimes you know right away that you may not get a response other times you do not, but why not be prepared for it just in case?

4. Use the audio from the phone recordings. There are countless ways this can be done, but think of the impact it can have on a viewer or listener? You are not just telling them you called them, you can let them listen to the messages you left or the phone that just kept ringing and ringing. Sometimes you may leave a message with a secretary or assistant, include that, even if there was a conversation involved. In some cases, the conversation and the run-around that people in an office give you make the story even more interesting and can even become the story.

5. Bring the camera to them. Public officials attend a lot of public events and sometimes hold media time after certain meetings. Show up and ask the questions you want answered then. Just because it wasn't on the agenda, doesn't mean it cannot be asked while they are heading into or out of the meeting. If they do not answer or you have to follow them down a hallway with the camera because they will not stop, include that in the story. This shows viewers you tried to find out more and it provides more insight for the public into who the individual is.

Be sure to keep in mind that some people you talk to are public officials, some are elected and others are private citizens. Make sure you are clear about your news organizations policies on how far it believes is "ok" to go in order to get in touch with someone.

 

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On-Camera Interviews

Lynn,

This is great advice! Be sure, though, you know your state law on recording telephone interviews. In California you must tell an interview subject that they are being recorded and get their permission to record it and use their comments in your story. I make sure to ask those questions while I'm recording. That protects you if they come back later and say they didn't know they were being recorded.

FCC BANS PHONE CALLS WITHOUT OK

BIG caveat: FCC bans broadcast of recorded phone calls without both parties consent irrespective of state laws.