‘Be prepared’: CBS News correspondent on hallway interviews, cultivating sources

Covering the tumultuous House of Representatives Speaker race has been a test of endurance for D.C.’s congressional reporters. And heading into a presidential election year, political coverage will continue to dominate headlines.

The Institute reached out to Nikole Killion, congressional correspondent at CBS News, to learn more about her reporting process, how to build connections on Capitol Hill, and advice for emerging journalists hoping to break into political reporting.

Walk us through your strategy for hallway interviews. What questions do you ask to get beyond a politician’s spin? 

Killion: Be prepared and cut to the chase (pun intended). I try to keep it simple and think of what the average person sitting at home would ask or want to know. Asking direct questions can often elicit a direct response. 

For instance, during the protracted Speaker battle this fall, I asked former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy if the Republican conference was broken. He replied, “We’re in a very bad place now, yes.” The clip went viral and got more than a million views. While that was not my intent, it spoke to the vulnerability of the moment.

What are your top three tips for cultivating sources on Capitol Hill?

Killion:

• Face time: Nothing beats face-to-face contact. It was very tough during COVID to build contacts because everything was virtual by email, phone, or Zoom. It kinda felt like online dating. But grabbing a coffee or lunch, chatting in the hall, or stopping by an office to say hi can go a long way toward establishing and sustaining sources in the future.

• Follow up: When you meet a new source or contact, follow up. Don’t just set their card down or add them as another contact in your phone. Email, call, or text back to tell them it was nice to meet them. Set up a chat or coffee. Always be responsive so they know you’re someone who will take their tips and pitches seriously. 

• Friendliness: Be kind and respectful. Decorum still matters on Capitol Hill, particularly when dealing with members of Congress. We all want answers but there’s no need to be overly pushy. Thanking members or their staff for taking the time to stop or facilitate an interview will help you get the next one!

Describe your self-care routine so that you have the endurance for chasing down lawmakers and waiting around during long stakeouts.

Killion: I’m still working on the self-care part. But for endurance, a portable stool, a snack, and a fully charged phone are my go-to necessities. It’s tough standing around for hours on end, so bring a seat, stay nourished, and make sure you’re plugged in!

What advice do you have for young journalists to navigate the current political landscape?

Killion: Be a voracious consumer of information. Yes, we’re in the business of delivering news but make sure you’re always on top of the latest headlines. There are so many outlets and platforms covering the Hill so keep up with your colleagues. Sometimes the smallest nuggets of news can turn into a huge story! And if you really want that “scoop”, know the players!

Resources

• Reporters at risk: In honor of Evan Gershkovich (Nov. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET)
• Resources for reporters writing about blindness and vision loss (American Foundation for the Blind) 
• Covering the Nobel Prizes (NPR Public Editor)