Johann Hari

The fictional interviews of Mr Hari

God knows journalists find it hard enough to win people's trust.

I've knocked on enough doors, stood in enough post-match mixed zones, and faced enough hard stares from interviewees to know this, too.

It would be nice to think that readers or viewers could trust what is being presented to them as being an honest interpretation of actual events by a reporter.

Trust is a precious commodity in journalism (it's precious in real life too, but fortunately this tends to be a more forgiving arena).

Having it betrayed is like being given dodgy notes by your bank manager. The likelihood is that you won't bank there again – and you'll view other bankers with suspicion.

Well, if you've been kind enough to trust us so far, be prepared to have a rethink.