News Next 2020: Panel pronounces need for facts & humour among spokespersons
At the News Next Conference 2020, on a panel chaired by Dr Annurag Batra were Shazia Ilmi and Alok Mehta who discussed the line that spokespersons should tread
The power of political communication isn’t a new phenomenon. Speeches, social media posts, media interviews, slogans, manifestos and advertisements — every component of political communication leaves a huge impression in the minds of voters, influencing voting behaviour. Spokespersons too play and an integral role here.
At the News Next Conference 2020, an esteemed panel chaired by Dr Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, exchange4media & BW Businessworld, had Shazia Ilmi, Spokesperson, BJP, and Alok Mehta, (Padmashree) Former President, Editors Guild of India, discuss the line that spokespersons should tread.
“A good spokesperson gives space to people to speak,” said Mehta.
Asked how Ilmi deals with other spokespersons when they lose their balance, she said as a spokesperson there are things that are indefensible. However, she added, “Even if there is anybody from my party who I feel is corrupt, I will never speak in that person’s favour. The purity of purpose is key.”
When Mehta was asked about the balance that a spokesperson should strike, he said that there are challenges, a spokesperson faces, it is a matter of ideological commitment. “Advani ji was also a spokesperson. Back then, he had to deal with really critical people from the media, though TV was not a thing back then. And he did that with balance and tolerance. Tolerance levels today are not the same. I always tell those working with that when you are going out on interviews, you aren’t going to insult someone. Give him a fair chance to speak. Increase his respect and your respect as well,” explained Mehta.
The panellists also contended that it is not always about winning the argument but rather about presenting facts objectively and sensitively. “There are difficult situations that one faces as a spokesperson, the moral is that you follow the basic party line. You don’t always have to win the argument, you can lose the battle but win the war,” Ilmi asserted.
When Mehta was asked to mention two spokespersons who according to him are completely content-oriented and balanced, Mehta said, “According to me, Sudhanshu Trivediji and Sambit Swaraj ji get it just right.”
Meanwhile, Ilmi pointed out that humour is missing from our TV debates. “There should be humour for adding that quotient and making it interesting for the viewers watching but not at anyone else’s cost or for putting them down,” she opined.
She looked back at how the Late Arun Jaitley dealt with difficult situations as a spokerspon without any bitterness. “Even with those vehemently against him, he led with a smile. There’s a lot one needs to learn from him,” Ilmi said.
The panelists established that all statespersons, anchors and spokespersons should present their views, bagged with facts, with moderation, without bitterness, with humour and integrity, further upping the standards of the industry, overall.
