‘Fast connections essential to prevent the spread of rumours’

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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: In today’s fast-paced digital age, official spokespersons of government agencies face multiple challenges in terms of the rapid dissemination of information and the spread of rumors. Among the most prominent rumors circulating in just one month were the resignation of His Highness the Prime Minister and proposed changes to the Pension Act to reduce the end-of-service bonus. This caused widespread panic among the public and created a state of fear, especially given the perceived timid response from the government.

Media
From this perspective, in light of this wave of widespread rumors, media observers continue to question the whereabouts of some official spokespersons in government agencies. They wonder why government responses from certain agencies often only come 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 workers take the initiative to contact government agencies, but receive responses such as: “My apologies, I do not have enough information.” This may come across as a sign of the spokesperson’s ignorance or an unwillingness 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, making it difficult to communicate with them quickly. They hold leadership positions that often involve constant meetings, making it challenging to get in touch with them quickly. It is therefore essential that official spokespersons are fully committed to their role, which is to ensure effective and timely communication with the public and the media. One of the biggest challenges official spokespersons face is keeping up with rapid developments amid technological advancements and the rise of social media platforms. The time it takes to prepare a declaration of office can often lead to delays as it requires approval from various sectors within the ministry. This delay can lead to a loss of control over the media narrative, especially compared to the rapid spread of news on social media. In many cases, spokespersons can find themselves in difficult situations when they do not have enough information to respond to rumors or circulating news. Journalists who contact them may experience a lack of clear and accurate information, further complicating the communication process.

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

In this context, Dr. confirmed Hussein Ibrahim, professor of media and public relations at Kuwait University, said there are specific criteria and qualities to look for when selecting an official spokesperson, including an understanding of the agency’s work and the ability to communicate effectively communicate. dealing with the public. He explained that an official spokesperson must have the ability to analyze problems and make quick decisions, tact, strong communication skills and the ability to convey information accurately, supported by their in-depth knowledge of relevant topics.

By Mohammed Al-Musleh
Staff of Al-Seyassah/Arab Times