Media Questions Over Haul

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The Forks, official opening of Winter Park in association with 150 years celebration.

Before the internet, newspapers, radio and television had men and women with microphones who grilled politicians like mayors and congressmen about their responsibility. Were they misusing taxpayers money or building needed roads and schools? The media was feared and revered.

Enter the internet. Phones are the new television so we are aware of resistance to media questions. Some basketball players who earn millions of dollars refuse media briefings with impunity. The NBA slaps them with a fine. They pay and do it again. Maybe basketball players are an extreme example. People who are not in the public spotlight do it as well. They challenge the line of questioning, especially, if it’s not in their favour.

Questions Over Haul

Intent: The question is to establish a preconceived conclusion. Example. Russia blew up the dam in Ukraine. That’s what Americans and Canadians believe, because every military operation has a media component. ‘How are we going to sell this?’ asks President Biden. We don’t speak Russian and other eastern European languages so we don’t know if Putin asked the same question..

Reporters’ One Track Minds: Some reporters lack analytical skills. They prefer to go with the herd of sheep. It can cause hostility towards the media. Example. Canada. Prime Minister of the day appoints David Johnston to investigate foreign interference.

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party does not like his findings. Has any reporter asked him: If you were Prime Minister, who would have been your choice? That’s how it works. You are in power, you make appointments.

People being interviewed cannot expect to be handled like eggs, but editors and producers must revisit the interview process, do an over haul of some sort. For example, family life questions are out of order, so are questions that create animosity between players and other people in the same profession.

What is wrong with today’s blog is a gaping hole, players’ reasons for refusing to face the media after a loss. Maybe they’ll speak up one day.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang. 

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