Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Politicians are avoiding the media... can you blame them?

Ugly guy walks into a bar. Sees a spectacularly beautiful woman across the room. Doesn't approach her because he knows he doesn't have a prayer of getting her phone number, even though he's a nice, decent guy.

Politician walks into a room full of biased journalists. Passes them all to talk to the people because politician knows he doesn't have a prayer of getting objective coverage.

What's the difference? There isn't one. When you know the outcome, why bother?

If you're wondering why so many politicians might be giving you the cold shoulder these days, it's because of the perception of media bias. And let's be honest, it's not even a perception anymore. It's very real. You may be the most objective reporter in the world with a big "J" on your head, but politicians might not trust you. They think we're all playing the gotcha game, waiting in the bushes to spring out with obscure questions.

So now we're going back to the days when Ronald Reagan decided he was better off talking to the people instead of the media. Had he been President during these days of the 24-hour spin cycle, he might have never left the Oval Office.

How do you fix this?

Well, I'd say it has to be fixed from the top down, but that's not gonna happen. So it's up to you, the local reporters who have to deal with politicians every day.

As sleazy as some politicians might be, you still have to earn their trust. You must strive to be fair, to keep your personal feelings out if the story. Once you do that with one or two politicians, you'll eventually get the reputation as a fair reporter. Politicians, in their own weird way, respect reporters who actually dig up stuff rather than just inject bias.

Be firm but fair. Put yourself in the politician's place: if you were running for office, how would you want to be treated?

Trust me, if you treat someone in public office fairly, word will get around, and these people will start calling you.

Instead of avoiding you.

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