Why do reporters shout questions?

What is the purpose of journalists shouting questions?

In journalism, this type of shouting is called "door-stepping". Here's how it's described in the BBC editorial guidelines:

"Door-stepping" is a term used to describe an attempt to obtain an interview, or piece to camera, from a contributor without prior arrangement or agreement, typically by confronting them in a public space, such as outside their home, workplace or courthouse.

It's worth pointing out that shouting isn't always necessary. In its most basic form, door-stepping can be a reporter turning up at somebody's home, ringing the bell and asking questions.

Shouting at David Beckham

Back in 2002 star footballer David Beckham broke a bone in his foot playing in a Champions League match against Deportivo La Coruna.

The injury ended the player's season and sparked fears that the England captain would not be fit for the World Cup. 

This was huge news.

The next day, Beckham and his teammates flew back to Manchester and I was told to cover the story for Radio 1 Newsbeat. I would need to file a 1-minute 15-second report about the return. At arrivals, a media scrum had gathered to get shots of the returning team and hopefully grab a few words with players.  

Alex Ferguson, their stern manager, filed through arrivals ignoring reporters' questions. The last player to appear was David Beckham, hobbling on crutches with a bandaged foot. 

Reporters shouted questions at him:

"David, will you miss the World Cup?"

"What will this mean for United's season, David?"

Ignoring everyone, he shuffled towards the car park as camera operators walked backwards to get the shot. Conscious of my deadline, and without a single bit of useable interview, I followed by his side, and in desperation shouted:

"David, does it hurt?"

He paused, looked at me as if I was an idiot and muttered,

"Duh!"

Now, this couldn't possibly qualify as an interview but at least it was a reaction. A tiny piece of audio, to illustrate the story, a moment. David Beckham was given the chance to comment on his injury and chose not to. An update on a hot and continuing news story.

To be honest, when I arrived at the airport I never believed he would say anything, I went with the expectation that he wouldn't react to any questions. I'd gone there to shout, make a scene that could be recorded and used. Creating some drama is (although journalists will deny it) part of the newsgathering process.

My question and the brief answer went into my report. Thanks to the media scrum it also appeared on the TV news that evening (from various angles) along with the headline, "David Beckham refuses to answer questions about his injury.... David, does it hurt?.... Duh! "

Behind the scenes, I got the p**s taken out of me by colleagues for such a daft question. But at least I got a brief answer!

Is it fair for reporters to shout questions?

With the benefit of hindsight, I think it may have been a difficult moment for David Beckham, on crutches trying to get home, faced with a media scrum. 

Journalists argue it's a legitimate newsgathering technique to door-step. It's also true that door-stepping him that day created a spectacle, a visual drama that we knew would make great TV and Radio. 

I think this is one of the main reasons why reporters shout questions. Yes, people in the public eye who refuse to answer legitimate questions from reporters should face door-stepping. Politicians suspected of corruption, business leaders who've cheated shareholders and the like. But, injured people at airports? I was carried away by the moment and the pressure to deliver the news.

Here are the BBC guidelines for its journalists about door-stepping:

"When public figures and other people are in the news, they can expect to be the subject of media attention. We may ask questions and record their answers for broadcast, without prior arrangement, as they come and go from buildings, airports and so on. However, we should be aware that when media representatives congregate in large numbers to cover a news story, the resulting media scrum can become intimidating or unreasonably intrusive. Sometimes, it will be appropriate to make pooling arrangements with other media organisations. At other times, we may judge it proper to withdraw." 

What should I do if I get door-stepped?

It's worth remembering that unless you are a politician, celebrity or legal defendant at the centre of a huge news event, it's extremely unlikely that you will be door-stepped. Why can I say this with certainty? It's because door-stepping only (usually) follows a refusal to engage with the media. Journalists aren't police officers, they can't force you to talk to them, but they will be persistent if you refuse to engage with what they see as legitimate questions. If you choose to engage with the media, you're unlikely to be doorstepped.

Ways to react to door-stepping or shouted questions

The very nature of these events creates drama, if handled badly the person being door-stepped can look shifty or even guilty. So:

• Never put your hand over a camera lens. This is TV gold and will make you look like a violent criminal.
• Never say "No comment". This looks and sounds shifty, as does swearing, losing your temper and pushing your way through a journalist scrum. Again this is newsgathering gold.
• Instead, relax and diffuse the drama. Pause, smile, listen to, and acknowledge questions. If you can answer them.
• Respond using the acknowledge, bridge and continue method: "Thank you, I understand that you have lots of questions, and I'd like to do my best to answer them when I can. However, at the moment, I'd like to say (the point you can make.)" See How do you handle a media question you don't want to answer?

Do I need to practice being door-stepped in media training?

Your business or organisation should have a plan to field media questions in a crisis situation. This should include making your most senior people available.

Rather than practising being door-stepped, a better approach is to answer media requests for in-person statements and on-camera interviews in a timely way. 

Role-playing door-stepping can rarely prepare you adequately to represent your organisation professionally.