About Peter Robertson Expertise I have worked in many forms of media including TV & Radio but my main, job has been a reporter on the Denver Home Chronicle I have worked, there for the last 10 years and have a daily column on Newspapers, around the country e.g. Quoting SoundBits from different publications every day.
Experience 10 Years with Denver Post
3 years with Infinity broadcasting
5 years with NBC News stationed in London
Expert: Peter Robertson Date: 3/13/2003 Subject: signed releases
Question Dear Peter,
This question pertains to a novel I'm writing.
Whenever a reporter interviews anyone, does the reporter ask the interviewee for a signed release to use the interviewee's name or information supplied? I'm especially wondering about police officers, since in my novel a reporter interviews several cops after the cops witnessed an alien being, in person. I'm just wondering if some sort of signed releases are necessary when unusual information has been witnessed.
Thank you for any help you can give me.
D.W.
Answer Hello D W
There are 2 ways of doing this
1. Reporters asks a question and will say if it is an on the record or off the record question.
The reason a reporter will say off the record is to gain extra information relating to a story but keeping the identity of the person hidden.
2. In some cases there will be a release form used but this is more for TV then newsprint.
