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Blaming Diane Sawyer for ‘Framing Britney Spears’ Is Too Easy
ABC failed the singer first by sending an amateur to do a seasoned music journalist’s job.
The art of interviewing music stars requires a lot of practice. It’s not the same as questioning actors, who are conditioned to be guarded and protective of their private lives, lest they compromise their currency as onscreen chameleons.
Musicians, on the other hand, spill their secrets in songs, the way Justin Timberlake did in “Cry Me a River” and the way Taylor Swift does on pretty much every album. That doesn’t necessarily make them easier interviews, though. Since they already put so much out there, sometimes there’s not much left for journalists seeking a juicy, exclusive hook. A strategic approach is required.
Britney Spears albums aren’t typically confessional affairs (most of her hits have been written by other people), but she’s always been a controversy magnet, which can make it even more challenging to get the goods. The New York Times Presents’ February 5 episode, “Framing Britney Spears,” revisits a time when Diane Sawyer tried — and failed spectacularly.
You don’t bring a hard-news attitude to a pop-star interview. Sawyer’s tone was too…
