Navigating Media Skepticism
Lessons from the Field of Transportation Engineering
Over 30 years ago, a family incident exposed me to the distortion of truth in media narratives and became the catalyst for my enduring skepticism towards the corporate media. While the details of our incident will remain private, the stark disparity between our firsthand experience and media coverage prompted a lifelong questioning of truth sources.
This ultimately boiled down to the question: If my one personal experience was so distorted in the corporate media when there was no reason to do so, how many other experiences are similarly distorted by the corporate media each day?
By the early-2000s, further personal encounters and experiences directly with the corporate media further reinforced this skepticism. The realization dawned that the corporate media typically does not present an unbiased version of events. The ensuing years only solidified my belief that approaching such sources with caution is imperative, particularly for professionals in public-facing roles.
As my skepticism evolved through the years, it found resonance in my professional life as a transportation engineer, especially in navigating media interactions. In this article, I will delve into the challenges posed by corporate media and social platforms, drawing from personal experiences to highlight the importance of transparency and effective communication in public-facing professions.
Professional Consideration
In the realm of transportation engineering, where public perception can shape the narrative, interactions with the media become crucial. Whether discussing traffic signals, construction projects, or other more controversial topics, the media's potential impact is undeniable. Young professionals entering this field should be mindful of the media's nature, understanding that narratives can be shaped positively or negatively based on the alignment with preferred perspectives.
The rise of social media as a platform for communication presents both opportunities and challenges. While it allows for direct communication with the public, it comes with its share of toxicity. Similar to corporate media, social platforms can be a double-edged sword, providing unfiltered access to the audience while also exposing individuals to vicious attacks. Navigating this space requires a balance between authenticity and resilience.
Case Study: Traffic Monitoring Cameras and Media Messaging
Beginning with the research phase, my responsibilities included evaluating various camera makes and models, addressing associated cybersecurity concerns, and navigating the intricacies of procurement. Once the cameras were acquired, configuring them became a meticulous task. Guided by considerations of privacy and security, I delved into every option, even developing a code of practice for operators on appropriate camera use.
As the installation phase approached, the anticipation of public scrutiny led us to proactively communicate the purpose and function of these cameras. Collaborating with our corporate communications group, we aimed to convey this information in plain language, ensuring accessibility to all members of the public. This experience in effective communication within a municipal setting proved invaluable, especially given the prevalent use of technical jargon in our profession. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a well-crafted press release, emphasizing the cameras' functionality and their role in monitoring traffic while safeguarding public privacy.
Following the press release, media coverage, though sometimes accurate, frequently presented variations from our original message. This disconnect became apparent in the comments sections, where public opinions often diverged and even contradicted the core content. Despite these challenges, engaging in interviews with the media was essential, providing an opportunity to address inquiries and clarify any misconceptions neutrally and professionally.
An illustrative example emerged in the coverage of the traffic camera story. Despite meticulous efforts to protect privacy, the comment sections of corporate media outlets echoed accusations that the municipality was using the cameras for surveillance. Contrary to this perception, I can personally attest to the measures taken to safeguard public privacy through careful camera configurations and general policy.
Key Takeaways
Don't trust the corporate media under any circumstance; approach them as you would a lawyer or witness in court. Trust should not be assumed, and transparency becomes a shield against potential distortions.
The public will form their own conclusions, regardless of written or reported information. Documenting and putting information on the record becomes essential for transparency and public consultation.
Everyone has biases and claiming complete impartiality should be met with extra scrutiny. Honest perspectives contribute to a more truthful understanding.
Acknowledge differing viewpoints and exercise caution, recognizing that they may offer valuable insights or pose potential challenges, for better or worse.
As a transportation engineer, skepticism toward media narratives has become an integral part of my professional ethos. The lessons learned from personal experiences underscore the importance of transparency, documentation, and honest communication. Navigating the media landscape demands a strategic and cautious approach, ensuring that the narrative aligns with the truth, especially in fields where public perception plays a pivotal role.