Why would someone want to talk to any journalist?

• She doesn't really want to, but it's her job--she has to.
• He believes strongly in his cause.
• She wants to get the facts right-to set the record straight.
• He's outraged at something or someone.
• She wants to defend someone else.
• His ego is so big he can't resist the exposure.
• She feels guilty and wants to confess.
• He wants to defend himself against what others are saying or doing.
• She wants to give the impression she's not guilty.
• He's a lunatic-doesn't have a clue how foolish he'll look.
• She's a sociopath and thinks she can con the journalist.
• He has a hidden agenda up his sleeve.
• She's obedient and believes journalists have some kind of authority.
• He thinks it's just the right thing to do.
• She's getting paid by someone to talk.
• He's trying to divert the journalist's attention from something.
• She's punishing another journalist or news outlet.
• He hopes the exposure will further his career or help his reputation.

What would motivate a person to talk with a particular journalist?

• He believes the journalist really cares.
• She believes the journalist really understands the story.
• He believes the journalist is likely to agree with his point of view.
• She believes the journalist will somehow pay her for the interview.
• He's rewarding the journalist who is more persistent.
• She's rewarding the journalist who hasn't pestered her.
• He wants to talk to a journalist of a particular race, sex, religion, alma mater, etc.
• She cooperates with a journalist who isn't of a particular race, religion, etc.
• He is impressed with the journalist's patience.
• She believes the journalists will be more accurate than the others.
• He believes the journalist is somehow more sympathetic or empathic.
• He believes the journalist is more experienced.
• She believes the journalist is more trustworthy.
• The journalist came highly recommended.
• She's read/seen/heard the journalist's work and likes his/her work.
• He believes the journalist is naïve and can somehow be hoodwinked.
• She believes the journalists' publication/program will reach more people.
• He believes the journalist is just plain nicer.
• She likes the anchors on the journalist's newscast.
• He believes he might be able to score with the journalist.
• She believes the journalists might help her get a job as a reporter.
• He believes the reporter might have information that could be helpful.
• She supports the perceived editorial position of the publication/station/network.

Look for the telltale signs of certain feelings, emotions or conditions that may play a part in someone's decision to cooperate-such as gratitude, trust, responsibility, fear, guilt, greed, curiosity, sport, lunacy, sex, ego and/or pleasure.