Former PHC journalism student Nathan Spangler recently interviewed Maryland governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, for three major radio stations in Baltimore (Today's 101.9, Mix 106.5, and 105.7 The Fan). For about the last two years Spangler has been a traffic and public affairs reporter for the three sports and music stations owned by Entercom, the country’s second largest radio network with stations in 23 of the largest 25 markets. He goes by Nathan Scott on air.
In addition to his daily duties covering traffic, Spangler is responsible for completing ten 26-minute interviews per quarter, and they air every third Sunday. The interview with Hogan was a highlight, he said, and he hopes to do another in the near future. You can listen to it here.
The key to good interviews is preparation. Instead of sticking to a list of questions, if you know your subject and have done the background reading “it allows you to be more curious,” he said. “As much as you can knock them off script, you get more interesting answers.” Interviewing should be a conversation, he added. “The connection is much easier when you’re talking to them as a person rather than an interview subject.”
“Nathan has been working very hard on his skills and career since leaving PHC,” said Journalism Professor Dr. Les Sillars. “He’s got a great opportunity with Entercom and we’re very glad he’s doing well.”
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