Rambo Television Reporters

Being interviewed on television is good for your career because you might be noticed by that company you’ve always wanted to work for, or a film producer like T.D. Jakes might track you down to offer you a small part in his next film.

Equally, a Rambo television reporter might make you lose your job because he forced an answer down your throat.  Politicians know this too well.  Here is an excerpt from The Audacity of Hope. The author, Barack Obama was talking about a certain reporter in Chicago.

“Do you feel betrayed by the Governor’s decision yesterday?” he would ask me.

“No.  I’ve talked to the Governor, and I’m sure we can work out our differences before the end of the session.”

“Sure …… but do you feel betrayed by the Governor?”

“I wouldn’t use that word.  His view is that …”

“But isn’t this really a betrayal on the Governor’s part?”

P. 126, The Audacity of Hope.

Please note:  Reporters are under pressure from news editors to come back with a certain angle on a story.  Betrayal was the angle in this case.  

Be vigilant on television.  Stick to your company’s position or your side of the story.  Better still, flip the script and ask the question:  What do you mean by betrayal?  Reporters don’t expect that, because they are the boss.  They ask questions.

By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.