Do Journalists Make Good Panel Moderators?
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I recently read a LinkedIn post that questioned whether journalists are the right choice to moderate panels. It made me pause and think about how many of my clients will prefer a journalist over a professional panel moderator. While journalists certainly bring valuable skills, they may not be the best fit.
Here’s why:
Journalists are trained to dig for a story. They ask sharp questions, they love uncovering tension, and they know how to push for specifics. All of that can make for a lively discussion. But panels aren’t press conferences. They’re not about putting panelists on the hot seat. A great panel is about serving the audience—guiding them through a conversation that strikes a balance between expertise, differing perspectives, and relevance.
The moderator isn’t there to “star” in their show. Their job is to:
- champion the audience’s needs
- keep the conversation moving
- balance airtime
- and make the panelists look brilliant
That requires a different mindset than investigative interviewing. In fact, when moderators slip into “journalist mode,” they risk turning the panel into an interrogation. Even worse, it could turn into a showcase of their own expertise and opinions.
The best moderators I’ve seen (and the role I strive to play) are part facilitator, part conductor, and part audience advocate. Yes, sometimes that means asking tough questions. But it also means knowing when to step back, let panelists shine, and draw the audience into the conversation.
So, should you hire a journalist to moderate your panel? Maybe. But only if they understand that their job isn’t to break news or make headlines. It’s to create a lively, balanced, and valuable conversation that leaves the audience buzzing.
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For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.
