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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required Skills

sources reads and critically evaluates background information

makes notes from spoken and written sources

develops an interview schedule

command of language structures registers vocabulary and idiom required in conversational exchanges

negotiates interview by establishing a supportive environment facilitates and sustains a formal oral interview using a range of interactional strategies to establish develop and maintain a relationship to explore issues and gather information on a topic

transcribes material accurately from oral to written text

revises own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness

gain the willing cooperation of subjects

use cameras and voice recorders

distil information from the interview

followup or probe for information using tact and discretion

Required Knowledge

defence concepts of newsworthy information

interview techniques

sources for relevant background information

when information needs to be checked

security classification of information presented during the interview

ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of defence public affairs organisations

Defence News Editorial Board guidelines

Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics

relevant legislation

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to identify and source accurate and relevant information for a story The reporter must demonstrate an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues and conduct the interview in a fair and nonintrusive manner with full regard to privacy defamation and reporting issues such as gender race religion and disability

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated interviews that cover a variety of newsworthy stories interviewing a range of Defence personnel

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an office and under operational conditions or in a simulated environment Simulation should recreate realistic office and operational scenarios in a wide range of situations that may be encountered by the Defence reporter and should cover all of the critical aspects of evidence

Ideally evidence should be gathered by observing the individual in a real or simulated interview supported by targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge Full transcripts of the interview which have been verified by the subjects should also be submitted as evidence for assessment

Specific resources for assessment

Access to voice recorders computers cameras telephones fax machines

Range Statement


The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Background information may include	Information sourced from publications, previous stories, discussions and the internet
Constraints may include	Time available for the interview Topic Subject's seniority
Equipment may include	Voice recorders Computers Cameras Telephones Fax machines
Interview methods may include	Face-to-face (in person) Telephone interview Email Web cam
Relevant information may include	Reporter's name Name and title of the subject Date, time and location of the interview Purpose of the interview Where appropriate, the likely date of publication of the story
Verifying information include	Corroborating information that is complex, technical, important or sensitive in nature If necessary, checking information with other sources