Survey Shows Zoom Interviews Will Continue to Play Role in Local News Gathering Process

Zoom interviews will continue to play a large role in TV news production, according to a recent report from D S Simon Media.

The report showed that 85 percent of local TV news producers surveyed said they would continue to conduct Zoom interviews, even after the pandemic is over.

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen a significant increase in local TV news producers’ willingness to interview spokespeople who work directly for a brand or non-profit,” said Douglas Simon in a press release, CEO at D S Simon Media. “What this tells us is stations have adapted to the increased access new technologies have given them to provide information for their viewers and it will continue. It’s a huge opportunity for brands to get their message out.”

When it comes to conducting interviews with experts, the survey found that the vast majority of producers were open to conducting interviews in homes, offices, or on location (93%), followed by interviews in a client-provided studio (52%), and lastly station studio interviews (37%).

Most producers (83%) preferred conducting interviews on location, as this allows for a greater feeling of authenticity. On-location interviews also provide the opportunity for reporters and photographers to take extra cutaway shots and footage to help with the editing process and overall quality of the final product.

Fifty-five local TV producers across the country participated in the anonymous survey, which was completed during the second quarter of 2021.

One key takeaway from this report is that experts should remain flexible when it comes to where and how they participate in interviews, though safety and individual comfort levels should remain the top priority as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.