People aren’t stupid!
Posted by Tom O'Sullivan on October 29, 2009 in Media, Politics with 0 CommentsMore and more over the last few weeks, I’ve heard interviewers in the broadcast media tell their guests to stay away from facts and figures in the NAMA debate. From Newstalk to Morning Ireland to Prime Time, the instruction has gone out to guests to stop talking figures and put it in a way the viewer or listener can ‘understand’.
Well, thank you broadcasters for protecting me from things that might make me think about the issues involved. I'd much rather listen to meaningless soundbites from the Government and Opposition that do nothing to address the real issues involved but provide the adversarial interviews that the media think are good for ratings.
When the issues involved are so important to the future of the country, when the finances involved are so complicated, there is no benefit in reducing the debate to soundbites. Every citizen should try and understand what's at stake, and the media and senior figures should avoid the patronising approach of 'It's too complicated for the general public to understand'.
The divorce of the general public from the substance of critical debates about issues with the governance of the country means that those making the decisions don't face detailed enough scrutiny on their decisions.
Treating the general public as grown-ups, clearly and concisely explaining complicated issues and engaging with them at a level that shows respect for their ability to understand matters that directly affect their lives is the only approach that will lead to a healthy debate on vital issues.
Unfortunately, this is an approach that the media haven't taken onboard and the NAMA debate for many people remains shrouded in mystery.
Tom O'Sullivan 's work takes in strategic messaging and media training as well as event management and media relations. Tom is also interested in new technology of all kinds, especially new communications techniques.Find out more at Tom's Profile. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to hear more!
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