Press Conference
by Peter Gorrie
At the school in Fort Liard, Peter Gorrie organized a press conference, so students could ask questions about the Berger Inquiry hearing in their home community.
Press conferences give teenagers a chance to question a newsmaker. It is quicker than holding individual interviews and every reporter benefits the questions asked by colleagues.
Harry Deneron had been a young, newly appointed chief when the Inquiry visited Fort Liard. He agreed to visit the class and participate in the press conference.
Peter gave the class these suggestions. 1. Check your equipment: notebook, pen, tape recorder, camera, microphone. A television reporter will have even more testing to do.
Prepare your questions ahead of time. They should begin with what, when, who, where or why. This forces the newsmaker to give specific information you will need to write your story.
Be persistent. If you don’t get a good answer, ask again. (And again, if necessary.)
Listen to questions from other reporters. They may suggest new lines of inquiry.
Occasionally, you may notice that the newsmaker hesitates to answer a question.
To explore the hesitation, ask a follow-up question that requires a 'yes' or 'no' answer.
After the press conference, you may realize you need more information. Don't hesitate to contact the newsmaker to ask more questions. You won't look foolish - just thorough.