Down-the-line interview

How it is used

Often used in British broadcasting; establish the audio connection and explain any delay before starting.

Example sentences

1. We arranged a down-the-line interview with the mayor from a studio near her office.

   The guest uses a different location from the interviewer.

2. A delay in the down-the-line interview made the presenter and guest speak over each other.

   Transmission delay affects turn-taking even when both speakers hear clearly.

Common collocations

• conduct a down-the-line interview
• live down-the-line interview
• arrange a down-the-line interview

Related terms

• interviewA meeting or conversation in which a journalist asks someone questions to get information, opinions or quotes for a story or programme; also the published or broadcast result.
• presenterA person who introduces and leads a radio or television programme, speaking to the audience, linking items and talking to guests.

More terms: Interviews and Quotes

• quote
• off the record
• on the record
• on background
• vox pop
• interviewee
• transcript
• no comment
• quote approval
• quote mining
• pre-interview
• doorstepping