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TV isn't always easy
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The RAF campaign which the JAA has been running, has led to many media appearances and interviews. In every edition of our newsletter, we publish a request for attorneys, who wish to appear in the media, or rather are prepared to take the flak that goes with appearing and being quoted, to give us their details. With not had one taker thus far and, given the way many interviews can proceed, it is probably not that surprising. Attorneys are always very quick to come forward and criticise the appearance, or rather performance, of a colleague on television or radio, but most, in declining interviews are admitting that ii is often tough going. I was on Morning Live this week on SABC 2 and although I personally have no problem, generally, with the media and accept it as part of the job, albeit unpaid, that I have taken on, it was nevertheless a good guide as to precisely what goes on. I was called at approximately 3 p.m. the afternoon before and initially understood it was for a radio interview and it was only later, when they insisted that I go to the studio, that I realised it was for a television interview. That of course requires you to get up extremely early to start with. I was told that I be questioned about road safety and how that interrelated with the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill. I arrive for the interview, had makeup applied for approximately 2 minutes and then was rushed through to the studio where, as one guest left the set, and an insert was being played, my microphone was plugged in, I was seated and told that I would be prepped during the next insert as to whatever questions were coming my way. The next insert started playing, it was the wrong tape and we then proceeded immediately with my interview. So, no discussion, you are live with an audience of 1 million. The questions that the interviewer asks you are already typed up and on her autocue, and they don't really deviate from that, no matter what you say. You have to try and get across what you want to say, and what you are prepared on, as in this case on the issue of road safety, in light of the questions that you are being asked not all of which, it must be said, necessarily make any sense - I would emphasise am not referring to this particular show - but rather to past experiences. You are a guest, and you in the attorneys you represent, have to appreciate that you been invited in the first place and you're not there to either embarrass the host will correct them on the ridiculous types of questions one can be asked from time to time. It's definitely a pressurised situation which requires extreme mental focus and I would liken the effort to appearing in court - and multiplying that by 10. I wasn't questioned on road safety at all.....
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Posted by Michael de Broglio on Sunday 08-Jan-06
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TV isn't always easy
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