The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for the interview

1.1 Background information is researched and documented before the interview

1.2 Guidance is obtained from a senior reporter or the editor on the most suitable person to be interviewed

1.3 An appropriate time and place for the interview is established with the subject

1.4 Interview objectives are set and questions are planned in advance, taking constraints into consideration

1.5 Equipment for the interview is checked for serviceability; any faults are rectified and reported

1.6 Where equipment faults cannot be rectified, replacement equipment is obtained or an alternative approach is taken

2. Establish interview parameters with subject

2.1 Own publication is clearly identified and necessary background information is provided to the subject

2.2 Permission to tape the interview is sought from the subject

2.3 Relevant interview methods are discussed with and agreed to by the subject

2.4 Scope and length of the interview is discussed and confirmed with the subject

3. Conduct an interview

3.1 Where permission is granted, relevant information about the interview is taped

3.2 Questions are asked and clarification is sought where necessary

3.3 Supplementary questions are asked as the interview progresses

3.4 Subject is invited to expand key points and present all relevant material

3.5 Subject is invited to provide information for future stories

4. Verify information as necessary

4.1 Details are checked and confirmed with the subject after the interview

4.2 A transcript of the interview is provided to the subject to check for factual accuracy

4.3 Other sources are asked to confirm the accuracy of the information provided

5. Archive interview material

5.1 Interview transcripts are stored as per publication policies

5.2 Archived material is made available only to approved people on request

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

follow-up 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

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 non-intrusive 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 re-create 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.

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

This unit contains employability skills.