Why are we never invited for TV talk shows to discuss elections?

On the eve of the Supreme Court’s full judgment, Mwangi Karuga complained that, though he is a university graduate, he is never invited to participate in the NTV topical issues talk shows.

“I see same faces on television discussions,” Mwangi said in a terse email. “Does it imply that faces like ours have nothing to contribute like Miguna Miguna, Murkomen, Ezra, Maureen slot (sic) yet we also went to university?

“Why the discrimination? Why are some of us never invited for television discussions on topical issues like elections? In fact, we could really impress viewers beyond expectations.”

Besides post-news analyses, NTV produces AMLive, a morning show that runs Monday to Friday, 6am to 8am, with repeats 9am-10am Mondays. It discusses issues of topical interest — including politics, security, economics and leadership.

Many other viewers have voiced their concerns about the NTV talk shows, especially on how the panellists are selected.

SOUR GRAPES

“It has been tempting to dismiss many of the complaints as sour grapes. But in the spirit of AMLive itself, in which panellists speak freely, I reproduce what some of the viewers have said. Many of the complainants engaged me with the understanding that I would not publicise their names; hence the edited and nameless composite of the complaints:

“What’s the criteria for selecting panellists? It seems every Tom, Dick and Harry is a pundit and political analyst these days. But viewers are not interested in pedestrian views.

“We aren’t interested in talking heads. We want to hear from people who are learned or who have great experience in the issue that is being discussed. We want panellists who are experts.

“The only reason we tune in to the NTV talk shows is to learn something new, not to hear regurgitated viewpoints.

INTERESTING POINTS OF VIEW

“We want guests with interesting points of view. We want to hear from people with interesting backgrounds and viewpoints. We want guests who interact with other panellists in an interesting, not insulting, manner.

“And we do not want the same make-up of panellists — as if there are no other people worth inviting.”

‘‘When you invite two people from Nasa and two people from Jubilee to discuss our political problems, what are you trying to tell us? We don’t want panels that just divide people into two camps — Nasa and Jubilee. That is false balancing. We want more light, not noise, thrown on issues. We want intelligent discussions.”

“We want panellists with valuable knowledge, people with relevant and interesting professional experiences in relation to the topics being discussed, or leaders in positions that are relevant to the topics.

“And many of your panellists do not know how to talk to the point. They go round and round before making their point. I thought the essence of television talk show is to be pithy and witty. Please don’t invite dull speakers; take charge of the discussions.

ELEVATE CAREERS

“It seems as if some of your panellists are invited to help them to elevate their careers as lawyers or politicians, security experts and so on, or to massage their egos.

“I think you should not have politicians on your panels. Give us subject experts instead. Give us a diversity of views, not political shouting matches.”

“I’m the chairperson of my chama (self-help group). I’ve a lot of experience in leadership, conflict resolution and mediation. I’ve also brought up three grown-up children single-handedly. Why don’t you invite me? Do I have to be Alice Wahome, Agnes Zani, Sabina Chege or Gladys Shollei?

“Do you pay the panellists? You need me. I’m well versed in politics and I’ve the gift of the garb and I have a beautiful face for television. But I can only participate if you pay for my time and opinion. I expect to be paid to express my opinion.

“My time is valuable. My opinion is invaluable. I can’t give my opinion freely, gratis and for nothing. I’m not a politician trying to build an image.”

 Send your complaints to [email protected]. Text or call 0721 989 264.