Asking Is Caring: Words from a Wise Journalist

Sydney Hembree

Jour 271

October 15, 2012

Sandra Knispel

441 words

Sandra Knispel (left) and Deidra Jackson (right) catch up as journalism students prepare for Knispel's presentation. 

Asking Is Caring: Words from a Wise Journalist

UNIVERSITY, Miss. – An interview is a simple procedure: ask questions, prompt the interviewee if they are too vague with information and generally try to learn about some aspect of the individual you are talking to. What Sandra Knispel did not bargain for when interviewing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patient, however, was how much she cared. Knispel even went so far as to cry alongside her interviewee as he talked his way through the hardest memories he has endured since leaving war behind.

This is the story she shared with a group of aspiring journalism students Thursday morning. Knispel, a German native now working for Mississippi Public Broadcasting stations, captured her audience’s attention as she gave insight into the field of journalism and where to draw the line when asking questions.

“One rule good journalists follow is called the ‘Principle of Do Not Harm’,” she said. “For example, if you think a person that you just interviewed is mentally unstable, you must not use him as a source.”

Knispel, who attended classes at the University of Mississippi when getting her Master’s Degree, discussed how information from classes could help you later on when digging up material.

“Classes like journalism ethics were extremely important,” she said. “You need to know about what side of the law you are on before you step into a courtroom. Make sure to stand your ground.”

Joe Atkins, Knispel’s former teacher from when she attended the University of Mississippi, told students of her daring exploits and how she has had to adapt to save her job.

“She is one of the best the Meek School of Journalism has had,” he said. “She understands the importance of multimedia.”

Knispel agrees with Atkins that adapting to different fields of journalism will make a person more appealing to a company when acquiring a job.

“Get an internship while you are still in school,” she said. “It is almost impossible to get one after leaving University.”

At the end of the presentation, a student asked what Knispel’s most inspiring interview was, to which she confessed was the PTSD victims. After researching into their disorder, Knispel explained she felt closer to them, which is why she broke down during one of the interviews.

“By crying, it tells the person that you’re only human and that you’re taking them seriously,” she said. “You build your reputation if you show them you care. And, above all, your integrity is the most important.”

Knispel’s closed the presentation with this statement: “Protect your credibility. It’s everything you've got.”