Why Protests Against Lockdown Chased Away the BBC: A Media Perspective
Recently, a video circulated online showing protesters at an anti-lockdown rally chasing away a BBC news crew sent to cover the event. As an experienced SEO expert and editor for a news publication, my initial reaction to this incident was mixed. The protestersrsquo; actions seemed pre-determined and self-destructive, seeking to harm rather than help their cause.
The Intrinsic Logic of Chasing Away the BBC
It's understandable why the protesters believed that the BBC wasn't covering their march, but their response was potentially counterproductive. This event served as a wake-up call for anyone considering joining such protests. Chasing away the media is a significant mistake, as it inevitably ends up being the news story. If the protesters had accepted an interview, they might have garnered more attention, but their hostile behavior only solidified the narrative that they were irrational and unable to communicate constructively.
Understanding Media Strategies: The Case of Donald Trump
One of the most enlightening examples of effective media engagement comes from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump famously used the saying, "there is no such thing as bad publicity," to his advantage. Not every media outlet covered him positively, but constant coverage meant that Trump was frequently in the spotlight. Take, for instance, the case of Mitt Romney during his presidential campaign. Romney’s historic visit to Israel was minimally covered by the mainstream media. In contrast, Trump's outrageous statements and constant presence on television amplified his voice and amplified his influence.
Many believe that Trump's confrontational style hurt his campaign. However, it's more accurate to say that his continued media presence, even when he was saying controversial things, made him a more prominent figure in the public eye. This strategy is often more effective than remaining ignored by the media, which can harm a candidate’s visibility and relevance.
The Dangers of Engaging with Hostile Media
For dissident groups or protesters, engaging with traditional media outlets, especially large ones like the BBC, is often an error in judgment. These media outlets have their own agenda and narratives to maintain. They are rarely sympathetic to fringe or controversial viewpoints. The moment you accept an interview, you are legitimizing the media outlet and giving them the power to shape the narrative around you. As I mentioned earlier, there is no such thing as bad publicity. However, there is bad publicity from the perspective of the media’s agenda.
When you engage with such media, you are essentially participating in a hostile interrogation. The media is there to gather information, highlight controversial parts of your stance, and frame your narrative in a way that supports their agenda. They often selectively edit and misrepresent what you say to fit their narrative, which can be harmful to your cause. It's crucial to be cautious and avoid interviews or public statements that are likely to be used against you.
Conclusion
The chase of the BBC crew by anti-lockdown protesters serves as a cautionary tale for anyone pursuing a cause through public protest. Engaging with the media should be a strategic decision, and in this case, chasing them away was a detrimental action. Effective media engagement requires forethought, strategy, and a clear understanding of the media landscape. The protesters would have been better off accepting an interview and speaking their minds, even if it meant highlighting their criticism of the media itself. After all, every interview has the potential to reach a wider audience, but it must be managed carefully to avoid becoming ammunition for the opposition.