Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — A recent study conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Information under the direction of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Molhem, Assistant Undersecretary of Planning and Studies at the ministry, revealed that 64 percent of spokespersons of various government agencies had neither received training nor attended any refresher courses after their employment, and 31 percent of them communicate unprofessionally with the media. Lack of proper communication between the media and these individuals has been a source of contention for journalists in the Kingdom. A thorough survey was conducted recently at a workshop for spokespersons in order to identify the weaknesses and improve the skills of these key players in any organization, which will boost the effectiveness and competence of the entire media department of the organization. Among the findings of this study, Okaz newspaper reported that 25 percent of those employed as spokespersons had no previous experience or professional training when they assumed their jobs, gaining their experience in the process of their work, and 41 percent of the spokespersons complained that they worked alone without anyone to support and aid them. Their only job is to answer calls, take questions from journalists, try to find answers, and report back if they could. This lack of direction is making it more difficult to meet the demands of their job. As to the most convenient way to reach these official spokespersons, 44 percent reported that they rely mainly on their cell phone and 77 percent can be easily contacted through the direct line of the organization. Around 66 percent of the spokesmen have Twitter accounts to keep abreast of news pertaining to their organizations, and many of them have been victims of negative comments and verbal abuse by an irate public. As for sources of information, 36 percent of the spokespersons rely on statements from the Saudi Press Agency, 79 percent use newspapers, and 65 percent tune into television and radio reports. The aim of this study was to find out what is impeding the role of the official spokesperson, and then to bridge the gaps, facilitate their work, and improve the channels of communication between them and those in the media. Recommendations include more educational workshops and seminars to fine-tune their skills and public speaking training, which should be preferably be completed before taking the position of official spokesperson. In addition, there should be more than one media representative to help and support the spokesperson who should also be trained to use all the diverse media outlets. Joint meetings between the official spokesperson and journalists should be routinely held to help them discuss and alleviate the challenges in their work. The Ministry of Culture and Information announced launching a club or center for official government spokespersons to organize such meetings and workshops.
