On March $12,2003,$ nine months after she was kidnapped from her familys home in Salt Lake City, Utah, $15-$year$-$old Elizabeth Smart was found and returned home. Her kidnappers were charged with kidnapping, burglary, and sexual assault. When NBC reporter Katie Couric interviewed the kidnappers, she asked them very little about how they treated Elizabeth while they held her captive. Why was it important for Couric to be careful about the questions she asked when seeking information?When seeking information, reporters often receive instructions from their editors about what types of questions to ask, and they must comply with these instructions.Reporters should lead with careful questions in order to establish a relationship before diving in with more probing and upsetting questions.Reporters should always be led by the guiding principle to minimize harm and be compassionate to those affected by newsworthy events.Asking questions that skirt around the issues helps reporters maintain control of the dialogue between them and people affected by crimes.