4 Top Reasons for Journalists to Outsource Their Interviews to Transcription Services

There are many industries where journalists operate, business, fashion, arts but one thing that is steadfast whatever the industry, journalists record a substantial amount of interviews that then need to be transcribed. Journalists have two options, type it the interviews themselves, which can be frustrating and tedious especially if you are not the quickest typist in the world, or they can outsource to an external transcription company or freelance transcriptionist.

Of course, the name of the game is to get the recorded audio typed up as quickly as possible, the journalist can then write their story. Whether the is lengthy or brief, all the content captured in that recorded interview requires being accurately documented for this reason. However, this is where a journalist may encounter some issues and here are the top four reasons to hire a professional transcription service.

1. If they are not the quickest person at typing there is the playing and rewinding of the audio. How is the audio going to be replayed so that they can accurately type everything that has been said? Without the aid of a foot-pedal and software that a professional transcriptionist would have, this is going to be very time-consuming.
2. Even if as a journalist you have transcription software to transcribe their interviews it is still time-consuming without being experienced in transcription and being able to type accurately and quickly. This is in itself is an art and practiced skill just like a journalist’s; transcriptionists have to transcribe the recorded interview and present it in a format suitable for the end user’s requirements. In the case of a journalist, therefore, the transcript has to be accurate and detail all the content in the way it was said so they can literally re-live the interview to write a better piece.
3. As journalists, by the nature of the industry requires a quick turnaround of the interview they have just conducted. They need the transcript quickly so they can edit it for their story and where it is going to print time is of the essence; they need accurate information to write their article release and trying to transcribe the audio them self to save money could be disastrous, frustrating, time-consuming and costly for that reason. They would be concentrating on the typing rather than presenting the content how it was said during the recording. A professional transcriptionist is experienced at doing this because this is part of the transcription service.
4. Outsourcing their recorded audio to a professional transcription service is time and cost effective. The transcriptionist can present the transcript in a readable format for the reader and turn it around much quicker. Although you have the initial cost, with Transcription Online a one-hour interview would cost just £30. If the audio quality is very clear and not much replay is required, Transcription Online could have your transcript back to you in less than 24 hours, all in the format of your choice.

For a non-professional that can type fairly quickly that would take at least double if not triple the time, something a journalist rarely has. Stories are written and released quickly, either into print or digitally online. So for the small initial cost for each piece you write, how can a transcription service like Transcription Online not be the way forward?

You can edit and write your stories quicker, better plan your interviews and take notes. Building up a relationship with a reliable transcriptionist ready to receive your audio will have massive time and cost benefits. With over 20 years transcribing experience office and now home-based providing freelance transcription services, I am experienced in the following types of transcription:

• Single speaker transcriptions (public speaking, motivational podcast/speech, notes, dictation)
• Business or Interview transcription (templates available to see)
• Video transcripts (to enhance SERP’s ratings, increase videos accessibility to the deaf and hard of hearing)
• Medical transcription (Psychiatry and Physiotherapy)
• Property inventory transcription (Property agencies & Real Estate inventories)
• General transcription
• Focus group transcription
• Always open to learning a new string to my bow, just ask!

Transcription Online offers a reliable, quick cost-effective turnaround of your recorded audio or video. A passion for transcription and delivering the most accurate transcript possible, please just get in touch for a free quote or to request a sample of what your transcript would look like. Providing transcription services, unlike big specialist transcription companies at Transcription Online I can be flexible in the transcript’s format and can adapt to whatever your requirements are. If you would like a free quote please feel free to email me at contact.me@transcription.online.