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‘Rapid connections vital to avert rumors spread’

publish time

19/10/2024

publish time

19/10/2024

Towering skyscrapers dominate Kuwait’s skyline, bustling with businesses and embodying the nation’s vibrant spirit.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: In today’s fast-paced digital age, official spokespersons in government agencies face multiple challenges in terms of the rapid dissemination of information and the proliferation of rumors. Among the most prominent rumors that circulated within just a single month were the resignation of His Highness the Prime Minister, and the proposed amendments to the retirement law to reduce the end-of-service bonus. This sparked great panic among the public and created a state of anxiety, especially given the perceived timid response from the government.

Media
From this standpoint, media observers are left questioning the whereabouts of some official spokespersons in government agencies in light of this wave of widespread rumors. They wonder why the government’s responses from certain agencies often come only after these rumors have spread like wildfire among the public. Observers explained that many journalists and media professionals are increasingly troubled by these issues. Some media personnel take the initiative to reach out to government agencies, only to encounter responses such as, “I apologize, I do not have sufficient information.” This can come across as either a sign of the spokesperson’s ignorance or a reluctance to share information.

In some cases, agencies may choose not to respond at all or respond slowly. It has also been observed that some official spokespersons hold multiple positions within the same entity, which makes it difficult to communicate quickly with them. They are in leadership positions that often involve continuous meetings, making it challenging to engage with them quickly. Therefore, it is essential for official spokespersons to be fully dedicated to their role of ensuring effective and timely communication with the public and the media. One of the biggest challenges facing official spokespeople is keeping pace with rapid developments amid technological advancements and the prevalence of social media platforms. The time required to prepare an official statement can often result in delays, as it necessitates approval from various sectors within the ministry. This delay can lead to a loss of control over the media narrative, especially compared to the quick dissemination of news on social media. In many cases, spokespeople may find themselves in difficult situations when they do not have sufficient information to address rumors or circulating news. Journalists contacting them may encounter a lack of clear and accurate information, which further complicates the communication process.

Communicate
This lack of information may stem from several factors, including the slow flow of information from government departments. In such situations, the official spokesperson faces a challenging choice - either remain silent, which may be interpreted as a confirmation of rumors, or issue a statement that lacks comprehensive facts. While some sensitive issues do require a careful response, excessive delays in releasing official statements can heighten doubts and weaken citizens’ confidence in the ability of government agencies to communicate effectively with the public.

In this context, a Professor of Media and Public Relations at Kuwait University Dr. Hussein Ibrahim affirmed that there are specific criteria and qualities to look out for when selecting an official spokesperson, which include a solid understanding of the agency’s work and the ability to effectively engage with the public. He explained that an official spokesperson must possess the ability to analyze problems and make quick decisions, tact, strong communication skills, and the ability to convey information accurately with the support of their deep knowledge of relevant topics.

By Mohammad Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff