The struggle to get an interview

Any journalist can relate: to write a story is human, to get a solid interview, divine. I don't think I could learn that lesson any more than I can learn today.

In my JRN 120 class, we have an assignment where we have to interview ward candidates in our city. I decided to cover the mayoral race in Brampton. I got two of my candidates, Bruce Haines and Garnett Manning, who were very nice and helpful. They gave me as much information as possible and really seemed to take their time. I found no trouble at all getting these interviews.

Getting to Susan Fennell and Hargy Randhawa, however, is a totally different story.

I called both of them sometimes last week, although I admit I don't remember exactly what day. Receiving no answer, I decided to call on the weekend. Tough luck, Fennell's office was closed (I left a message with my name and contact number) and Randhawa's phone was off. These are two busy people, I thought, I'll just try calling on Monday.

I called Hargy at 11 a.m. Monday. After a couple of rings, I finally got an answer:

"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Hargy?" I asked.
"Yes, it is."

Score! "Hello Hargy, I'm a journalist student from Ryerson and I was wondering if I could interview you."

"Sorry, I'm at a conference, I'll call you back in a couple of minutes."
"Sorry about that! It's no problem, bye!"

I'm not sure if he heard me because the phone was quickly disconnected.

Understandable, I thought. How often are you running for mayor of a city in the GTA? He's just working hard and trying to get those votes. I didn't expect a call back, so I waited until 4 p.m. to call both Fennell and Randhawa.

Fennell's office phone went to voicemail, and Randhawa...his phone was off.

I sat there for a couple of moments, trying to take slow, stable breaths. It'll be okay, I told myself, it'll be okay.
Except that this assignment is due tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Every journalist can relate with this struggle: the creeping deadlines and the lack of co-operation from the sources you need. I e-mailed my professor about that situation, and I'm just hoping he understands. I'm not one who's used to failure, as I always try to fight against the odds. However, this is one situation that's really bogging me down.

An update on this situation later on, and I'll be sure to end up posting the final article as soon as it's done!

*Update: My prof emailed me and advised me to go to their offices and keep trying until about 5 p.m. tomorrow. He told me if anything, my story might have to be focused on what people say about the race and what has happened at candidate meetings. So grateful I have such an understanding prof!