From CCJ partner NewsLab [1].

One of the most basic building blocks of journalism is the interview. It sounds obvious, but reporters have to talk to people to learn what's really going on. More than that, however, journalists need to include people's voices in their stories to make those stories come alive. Interviewing takes preparation and skill. It's not just a matter of going out with a question and coming back with a sound bite.

Decide whom to interview

Persuade reluctant sources

Prepare for interviews Know your purpose

Know your purpose

Click here for details on NewsLab.org [2].