Nigel Stanley wrote:
> On 24/10/06, Will Chapman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>> Nigel
>>
>> We are concentrating on the campaign. This, in my opinion is part of the
>> campaign. Just today I was interviewed by a journalist and posed the
>> scenario that Defra will never reverse the cuts and that Brown will
>> just ignore the argument that Defra's losses should be covered by
>> contingency reserves.
>>
>> Last week I would have been lost for an answer. Today I was able to put
>> forward ideas and arguments that have been discussed in this thread.
>
>> So please, share your arguments with us.
>>
>
> All I'm saying is there a danger in getting sidetracked - just as
> there is a danger with other campaigns (eg Oxford) getting in the way
> of the simple "stop the cuts" message.
>
Agreed. Just the argument Will Wilkinson and I used with the Jericho
boater after the BW AGM. I have a variation of our slogan "Save the
Waterways first - argue the details later".
>
> I do also know quite a bit about "media handling", and my advice is
> don't always answer the question asked as you shouldn't always feel
> you have to accept the logic of the question.
>
> While I'm sure you did a great job in the interview,
We shall see when it is published .. but whatever is said (or
misquoted) I'm of the opinion that as long as the main theme
dominates then the more publicity the better.
> response would have been more along the lines of "we're not accepting
> that can happen. I have every confidence that the huge campaign we are
> organising can stop these DEFRA cuts and that's where we are putting
> our energy"
>
You maybe right but I'm one of those people that need to speak from the
heart, I don't do well with 'spin' (pre-prepared responses); I'd rather
believe what I'm saying.
> While it would be a mistake to publish it widely I would advise SoW to
> have some briefing notes for interviewees on how to handle tough
> questions. You don't have to appear like a dodgy MP escaping a Jeremy
> Paxman grilling, but you are always in a competition in an interview
> to get your view across, and if necessary contest the interviewer's
> approach. They are likely to ask tough questions as that's how you
> make interesting TV and radio. Fair enough, but it's also your job to
> get your points across and not be distracted.
>
Fair point. I personally like to be prepared by reading background on
the various things that may come up (in fact, that is just why this
thread has been so valuable. By reading the different ideas and opinions
stated in this thread I am in a much better position to sound informed.
--
Will Chapman
Save Our Waterways
www.SaveOurWaterways.org.uk
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