What should a reporter do to confirm that the audio archive is complete?

To confirm that the audio archive is complete, performing random checks against the audio is an effective method. This process involves listening to segments of the recording to ensure that all necessary parts have been captured accurately and that there are no significant gaps or missing content. By conducting these checks, the reporter can verify the integrity of the recordings and ensure that they meet the required quality standards for documentation and future reference.

In contrast, reviewing video footage may not provide the comprehensive confirmation needed for audio completeness, as it focuses more on visual elements rather than the audio content itself. Sending copies to other reporters does not serve as a validation method for the original audio archive's integrity; it merely distributes the content without ensuring its completeness. Discarding the recorded audio would be counterproductive, as it eliminates the very material that needs to be verified. Therefore, performing random checks stands out as the most direct and effective means of confirming the completeness of the audio archive.