Did you catch this media FAIL?
If you live in Ontario, you might have heard the news about Dr. Barbara Yaffe, our Associate Medical Officer of Health. Just before the live COVID briefing press conference began, Dr. Yaffe was heard saying, “I don’t know why I bring all these papers. I never look at them. I just say whatever they write down for me.”😧
YIKES!‼️
It’s a classic example of a “hot mic” blunder. 🎙
The microphone was ON – live and hot, as we say in the media – but clearly unbeknownst to Dr. Yaffe who later claimed she was just bantering with her colleague Dr. David Williams (who was also preparing to speak at the press conference). Yaffe also stated that she was simply referencing the researched and vetted remarks (such as COVID case counts) that are given to her by her communications team.
TOO LATE! 🤦🏻♀️
The damage was already done, with Yaffe and the Premier facing deep criticism for her remarks and raising skepticism about the integrity of her advice.
Don’t let this happen to you! 🙅🏻♀️
Assume the microphone is ALWAYS on – whether you’re just sitting down for a press conference or standing on set at the TV studio or logging on to a virtual meeting! Be careful of what you say…because someone is always listening! 🎤
[Image: CTVNews.ca]
