Monday, December 18, 2006 Nalzaro: Facing the media By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
GOV. Gwen Garcia’s decision to indefinitely distance herself from media interviews is not good for her administration and for her political career. The move is ill advised. It only shows that she is onion-skinned. News organizations assign reporters to cover Capitol events, especially the Office of the Governor, because it is one of the major news sources. Whatever the governor says is always news.
The governor, as a mass communication graduate, knows the intricacies and the workings of media. She cannot expect the industry to follow her every whim and caprice and swallow her public pronouncements hook, line and sinker. Her statements are always subject to public scrutiny. Like any ordinary person, we, radio commentators and opinion makers, are also entitled to our own views and opinions based on how we perceive and analyze things. The only thing is, we get to share our opinions with a larger audience.
If the governor thinks commentators and columnists are out of bounds or have twisted some facts, then by all means she or any of her assigned spokespersons can react. I think they are already doing this, especially in the print media.
Do not question the motive of the media. Just because the governor has been the subject of criticisms and attacks by some journalists, whom they call “irresponsible journalists,” doesn’t mean she can accuse the industry of conspiring against her. Oh, come on. Pagkamabaw ug sampot. I would just like to remind the lady governor that no amount of bad publicity or black propaganda can destroy her image as a public official if she performs well and shows sincerity, truthfulness and honesty in her work.
Capitol consultant Pablo John Garcia has been delegated to handle media affairs at the Capitol. With his media experience, I know Pablo John can handle it. But it is different if the one issuing the statement or “in action” is the governor. In Malacañang, it’s different if the one talking is President Arroyo as opposed to her press or executive secretary, especially when the matter involves public policy.
Well, di man hinoon magsakit among tiyan ug dili na magpa-interview si Gwen. But for me, it’s childish. She should not display that kind of behavior in public. Ug mao ning kalakiha, di na hinoon ma-expose nang atong beauty sa TV, Madam Governor. My advice to you is to face the media squarely.
