How to Cite an Interview in MLA Format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) has its own guidelines for citing an interview as a reference. For example, if you're citing an interview Matt Lauer of the "Today Show" did with John Smith you'd write, "Smith, John. Interview with Matt Lauer. Today Show. NBC, New York. 10 Apr. 2007." Here are the steps to follow if you need to cite an interview according to MLA guidelines.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Indicate the interviewee's last name, followed by a comma and then his first name. Place a period after the interviewee's first name, then insert a space. For example, "Smith, John."

2. Insert the words "Interview with" followed by the interviewer's first and last name. Place a period after the name of the interviewer, followed by a space. For example, "Interview with Matt Lauer."

3. State the name of the newspaper, TV program, radio program, or magazine where the interview appeared. Underline this name. Follow the name with a period and a space.

4. Write the name of the publisher, such as NBC or New York Times, followed by a comma.

5. Add the location followed by a period.

6. Follow the location with the day, month and year. Present this information as DD, mo. YYYY. Follow the year with a period. For example, 10, Apr. 2005."

7. Cite interviews you've done personally by listing the last name of the person you interviewed, followed by his first name. Then, state what type of interview you conducted, such as personal (face-to-face), phone or email. Finish with the date listed as day, month and year.