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Participant Rights
A story is a collaborative process between a participant and a journalist. If you decide to speak with a journalist about your experiences, you can use this guide to know what to expect.
Defining Your Role
People Powers News prefers the term participant rather than source as you are participating in the storytelling process.
The location of the interview can be anywhere you feel most comfortable. You can ask how long you should expect to be there, and you can stop at any time if you're uncomfortable. You are always allowed to bring someone with you for support.
You can choose the questions you'd like to answer. If you don't want to talk about something in particular, you don't have to.
Learn the Lingo
Off the record means the journalist cannot use your name or the information you give them.
On background means the journalist can use the information you give them, but won't use your name. They may use your job title, your age, or other information to describe you.
On the record means the journalist can use your name and the information you give them.
Assume that everything you tell them is on the record, unless you have discussed being on background or off record. If you don't want to be recorded, let them know before the conversation.
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Confirm when the story will be published, and ask to see your quotes before publication. If you don't think the journalist got the full context, ask for another interview.
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