Interview to English Class

Interview With Jason Method

Jason, could you share with me what first inspired you to become an investigator reporter?

I like people. I care about them. My philosophy is somewhat of a helping one. I thought I possibly had something to contribute in this area, by using researching, writing and interviewing skills I had, that might make a positive change, or maybe a difference in some way. My idea was to try, in a small way, to help change the world a bit for the better, by delving into things and writing about them, going after a story, being aggressive.

What were your expectations of being a reporter, when you were first starting out in your career?

I guess my most hopeful expectations were to be able to tell important stories, have mental challenges on the job, have excitement, and a chance to learn and write about something new, and hopefully something important and interesting every day. I also wanted to meet new people and possibly have some positive influence on people and situations. Then, later on, I developed some more down to earth expectations, after I got fired from my first reporting job. I got my first job two weeks after I finished college. Steve Walter was the editor who helped me get it. But then, right after I had been hired, Steve was fired. So there I was, alone. Plus I had a three-month probation period at this job, during which I could either prove myself to them or I would get fired, too. I got fired. That taught me a lot about the business. It gave me more realistic expectations.

3. Do you feel always free to write what you want to write, in the way you want to write it, or are do you feel sometimes feel limited by restraints on what you say or how you say it?

In certain ways I am free.

4. Explain.

Well, I am an honest person, and I like to tell the truth, which right there frees me to write the way I feel I need to, in order to tell a story straightforwardly and honestly. My own rules about writing follow that pattern, so if someone comes to me, and say they request that I change something I wrote before it is published, I will say no, I cannot do it, if principle or ego rather than truth is involved. However, I do not have the last word on what I write. My work is revised by my editor before publication, which is standard for anyone in my position.