The difference between a primary source and a secondary source is the link between journalist and source. If the journalist is able to contact the source directly and receives information directly from them then this is primary, anything other is secondary.
Primary sources are a fundamental part of journalism because finding a primary source before any other publication means that you’re more likely to break the story first, and with more factual information, putting your work ahead of others and making the greatest difference to people’s minds.
Some tips for interviewing I have used so far include not telling certain places that you’re a student journalist. The greatest problem I’ve had with this so far has been the West Yorkshire Police as they flat out refuse to give information to student journalists and then did not reply to emails from my private address.
Another tip that has stuck with me is to record everything during an interview, that way anyone on the recording can be held accountable for what they’ve said with evidence and they can’t accuse you of slander. While it may not be useful to my work now I feel like this is one of the most important tips for professionals.
Kane Daly 