In recent developments in media criticism, actress Salma Mumin has publicly expressed her discontent with the interviewing techniques of popular Ghanaian media personality Deloris Frimpong Manso, known as Delay. This discourse came to light during a broadcast of United Showbiz on UTV, where Salma scrutinized Delay’s conduct during her interviews, notably one featuring the recently deceased founder of the Ghana Freedom Party, Madam Akua Donkor. Salma underscored the importance of respectful engagement in interviews, asserting that Delay’s style was not only unprofessional but also potentially damaging to the dignity of her guests. The interaction came under fire, as Salma recalled her own experiences being interviewed by Delay and felt that her approach often resembles a personal confrontation rather than a professional inquiry.
Salma’s critique revolved around Delay’s perceived lack of respect and decorum during interviews. She articulated that the tone and the relentless questioning employed by Delay could leave guests feeling as if they were being attacked. The actress pointed out that while reporters must push for clarity and comprehensive responses, there is a fine line between probing and disrespecting a guest. By citing Delay’s specific conversation with Akua Donkor, Salma made it clear that the persistent questioning felt excessive and crossed boundaries of professionalism. This type of interview technique, according to Salma, often undermines the intended purpose of these dialogues by creating discomfort rather than fostering a constructive exchange of ideas.
Salma drew an interesting parallel between Delay’s interviewing style and that of international stars such as Beyoncé, known for her polished and respectful interactions with interviewers. Beyoncé’s interviews are often meticulously planned, allowing for smooth and engaging conversations that respect the guest’s boundaries while still pursuing meaningful content. Salma’s reflections highlighted the necessity of creating a welcoming atmosphere during interviews that respects both the guest’s comfort and the audience’s desire for information. Favoring a more polished interview style, she argued that guests should not be subjected to relentless probing once they have given a sufficient answer, as it may suggest ulterior motives on the part of the interviewer.
In her analysis, Salma posited that relentless questions could be indicative of an intent to undermine the guest rather than illuminate truths. She emphasized that a substantial part of effective interviewing lies in the balance of inquiry and respect; when guests respond to questions, continuing to push for the same information can create a hostile environment. This tactic, in her view, is likely perceived by guests as an invitation to embarrassment or distress, which should be avoided in professional settings. By framing her argument this way, Salma provides insight into not only her grievances with Delay but also a broader perspective on the ethics and responsibilities of media personalities.
Furthermore, Salma used her platform to call for a re-evaluation of interviewing strategies in the realm of Ghanaian media. She suggested that media personalities should cultivate an approach that prioritizes dignity and respect for their subjects, which ultimately contributes to better public discourse. Salma’s criticisms of Delay serve as a reminder of the influence that media figures wield and the implicit responsibility that accompanies their role. Promoting a culture of respectful engagement in media interviews could enhance the quality of conversations while respecting the individuals involved in those discussions.
In summary, the dialogue introduced by Salma Mumin regarding Delay’s interviewing style brings forth important considerations about media professionalism. Her concerns underscore the need for interviewers to establish respectful relationships with their guests, which can foster a more positive dialogue that benefits both the audience and the subject. As the media landscape continues to evolve, embracing respectful and informed interviewing practices remains essential to the integrity of communication in Ghana and beyond.
