David Hill: " Never lie to media"

Yesterday we listened to David Hill, successor of Alastair Campbell, and former Director of Communications for Tony Blair. He held a lecture at University of Westminster, and honestly, it was slightly strange to observe not so many people shown up there.

Talking about effective communication, Hill thinks that it requires discipline, which is central to political communication success. He said there is a tendency on sensationalizing of media stories towards politics.

He outlined two main issues: strategy and delivery of the message. A clear strategy, he said, is a way to pursue clear sense of direction to goals and is very essential. Relationships between government and media are very important and should be equal and balanced.

Talking about national media, Hill mentioned its attitude to “the best news is bad news” and that a perception gap between individuals, services they have received and how it was delivered and reached. Indeed, it is enough to listen to any news program to be convinced: all is bad. He said that national media tries not to pay attention to any positive issues while emphasizing negative aspects. But he believes that change will come.

He mentioned “segmentation of communications” as a sign of changing processes within the society. Today more communication tools and channels than ever are needed to deliver the message.

Probably, future communicators will find a way to monitor the stories. He thinks that in the future political comments will become more personal.

I really liked his lecture; it was interesting, meaningful and very professional.