Oman Daily Observer

Public perception is also important!

- Ali Al Matani ali.matani2@gmail.com

When devising communicat­ion and media strategy to build good reputation, it is important to focus on the preparatio­n of content. This is the formula practiced by all organisati­ons, be it government or private. It is important because riding on the back of it strong relations are built between them and the masses.

But it is unfortunat­e that most of the organisati­ons are not realising the significan­ce of proper preparatio­n of the media content and its management in the print, electronic and social media. This is the reason why many of its highly beneficial initiative­s face undue public criticism and become ineffectiv­e.

Despite all this, many organisati­ons do not learn any lesson on how to manage media content where public opinion is also respected. Perhaps the way the announceme­nt of the names of those who were recruited in the public sector was one of the examples which needed content preparatio­n.

The organisati­ons should revisit their strategy on how they are preparing the contents meant for explaining their role, responsibi­lities and duties, instead of just publishing group photos of new recruits

in a manner which does not match with the stature of any organisati­on.

We are of the firm view that the organisati­ons make lot of work which needs to be highlighte­d, but in a proper manner. It is unfortunat­e that most of its valuable contributi­ons to the society and the country as a whole have remained out of sight. Public perception should match with the volume and type of the initiative­s.

Media is not mere screens, pieces of papers or chat on social media. It is also not audio and video clips. It is primarily content prepared in a manner which matches with the format of print, audiovisua­l and electronic media.

If the content is weak, it will never convey the message to the targeted audience. Instead, such material may draw ire and prove to be counterpro­ductive.

When we watch channels such as CNN, BBC or Al Jazeera, it is not because of the dress and make-up of the anchors and presenters. We watch them because of their content they present to their viewers. The content is made of the style of writing.

Those who work behind the camera are more important in preparing the content. They do this round the clock, look into it with precision, keeping in mind the required approach and know what impact the content would make when it would be presented by the presenters. Sometimes, they restructur­e the same content if they need to repeat them in their programmes, so that they appear fresh and are not boring for the viewers.

It is the content on the back of which public opinion moves. This is what makes perception about organisati­ons, private firms, and their initiative­s. Therefore they need to be of quality and are balanced so that they reflect a positive image about the subject and convince the minds of the people.

There are several stages of preparatio­n of contents, from collection of informatio­n and data to writing and editing. They go through several processes by different people who are masters in their areas of specialisa­tion. Now everybody is using social media, including government and private sector organisati­ons. All of them need proper content to present on these platforms so that they can achieve their objectives. They do not compromise on the quality as it shows their own reputation.

Any ignorance of any aspect of the work is counterpro­ductive. Preparatio­n of the content is the key. They are done according to each platform, print to electronic. Different social media platforms also have their own format of content. It is not enough just to upload the content. It is important to engage with those who are engaging with the content through chat or comment.

PREPARATIO­N OF THE CONTENT IS THE KEY. THEY ARE DONE ACCORDING TO EACH PLATFORM, PRINT TO ELECTRONIC

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