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Topic: Recording conversations
| Author | Message |
| jkdscribe | Posted – 12/3/2007 11:39:51 PM | show profile A friend of mine told me today that their editor made a point to tell them that when having phone conversations to always make sure they ask the source if it's okay if they record it. I found this odd--not knowing if this was how it was always done myself. I always figured if they knew they were talking to a journalist then they knew that there must be some form of note-taking going on. that's why they're calling, after all. It also seemed odd because it's so much less likely to make an error if it's not recorded. His editor said it was a privacy issue, but I still find it odd. All it does is add accuracy, which is good for both sides. And it's not like the source is not saying those things...so what's the problem? Is this just something I missed along the way? |
| Marie | Posted – 12/4/2007 12:35:27 AM | show profile In some states (and it's easy to check which ones), that's the law, that 2 parties have to know they're being taped (you and the other person). This is NOT the law in New York, where only one person has to know (you). It doesn't have anything to do with privacy. It has to do with complying with certain state's laws. And the law to go by is the law in the state you're calling from, not to. |
| chicagowriter22 | Posted – 12/4/2007 12:40:00 AM | show profile The law depends on the state, although I'm unsure of the exact wording. So it's a pretty safe bet to ask and get the permission on tape. In Chicago, where I'm from, the laws are pretty strict. Some cases can result in criminal penalties. But I think that's mostly for recording conversations you are not a part of. Again, I don't know the specifics. |
| Louisewasnothalfbad | Posted – 12/4/2007 1:03:26 AM | show profile There's a big difference between note taking and recording an entire conversation. Of course, you have to ask permission or at least inform the other party, if not as a matter of state law, at least professional courtesy. And if you're recording a conversation, and then call back for a folo, ask again. I'd heard that the failure to ask the second time is how the Josh Bernstein profile of Nikki Finke got pulled from the WWD archives. |
| finalgirl | Posted – 12/4/2007 3:17:11 PM | show profile The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (www.rcfp.org) has information on the laws regarding audiotaping of telephone conversations. I don't even assume that they know who they're talking to, or which publication I'm from. At the start of every interview, I say something like, "I'm going to be audiotaping our conversation. Is that all right with you?" Until they've said yes, I don't ask any questions. |
| jkdscribe | Posted – 12/4/2007 8:19:31 PM | show profile Hmm, I suppose I always assumed that taping conversations was a courtesy in itself. I personally do not think it's that different than taking notes other than it is a more accurate way of doing so. The best notes you could possibly take would be to write down every word said... If you were afraid of being misquoted, wouldn't you want them taping it, to make sure you weren't? Conversely, as the reporter, I'd like to know that I have an accurate record--other than written notes--if someone claims I misquoted them. |
| jkdscribe | Posted – 12/4/2007 8:22:31 PM | show profile "I don't even assume that they know who they're talking to, or which publication I'm from." Don't you tell them. I do start every iterview with a thorough introduction of who I am and where I'm from, as well as my intentions |
| no techie | Posted – 12/5/2007 12:24:31 AM | show profile Recording Conversations I always inform people when I'm taping. It's a professional courtesy and I've never had anyone to refuse an interview because I'm recording. I was also taught to let people know they are being recorded. |
| webtastic | Posted – 12/5/2007 1:25:23 AM | show profile I always record interviews. I started after someone I interviewed complained to an editor that I had misquoted them. Luckily I had through notes that time and my editor backed me up. Anyway, even though I live in NY, I still ask permission as a courtesy. I have had a couple people ask me not to record, actually. I would point out, however, that even if they reject your request to record them, you may continue to do so if you live in a one-party state such as New York. |
| SillyRabbit | Posted – 12/13/2007 7:54:28 AM | show profile | email poster Not only is it rude and could break trust to record someone without his permission, it's illegal in some states (as someone mentioned). Of course you will get more and better quotes if you record, and of course most people don't mind. Which is why you should just ask first. If you don't ask, someone may never trust you again if they find out, and anyone they complain too wouldn't trust you either. And as I've never once had someone say I couldn't record, there's no reason not to ask. FYI, if I were being interviewed on the phone, I wouldn't just assume I was being recorded. |
