Communication remains the most essential political weapon in this 21st century where mass media defines every aspect of life of ordinary people. Mass media shapes opinions, leads to political efficacy and most importantly, has the power to create certain political attitudes which influence the voting pattern in the long run. In this regard, a political party or a movement that wants to brand itself positively, assert influence or even have an advantage over its competitors must deploy astute, witty, informed and competent communicators whenever a political TV talk show is involved. Today morning, i watched Grace Wanga, the homabay MP on Cheche Citizen TV as she helplessly tried to explain what ODM is doing in terms of legislation that concerns improving security in the country. Wanga gave half baked responses which the tough Uduak Amimo would not let go easily. She kept pestering her with more hard questions. The situation was made worse by David Makalis and Waweru Mburu interjections whenever Wanga was responding. Why the interjections? The responses were unsatisfactory. On the other hand, Sakaja Johnson representing the Jubilee alliance was able to defend the Jubilee on matters security on the show. His arguments were more convincing compared to Wangas. His mastery of rhetoric helped him a big deal. And finally after the show ended, the overall portrayal was that Jubilee was working to handle the insecurity in the country while all what ODM was doing, was empty talks and ludicrous criticisms. And this message reached millions of Kenyans who tune to this leading political show in a leading television that commands almost half the countrys TV viewership. But is this the the truth? NO. ODM is doing something as far as Security in the country is concerned. In the same breadth, Jubilee might not be doing as much as they claim. Its all about how one argues! What am i trying to pass across? That communication matters. That if ODM wants to win the next elections, astute communicators must represent the party whenever a large mass media audience is involved. That ODM must not all the time be outdone by Jubilee in debates and political discussions. That a media strategy must be employed. That anyone representing ODM on national television must at least be a good debater. cc Dikembe Disembe KOnyango Ochieng DennisPhil Etale Maseme Machuka Masibo Lumala
Posted on: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 07:32:38 +0000
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