SENSIBLE AND SILLY INTERVIEWS

ROLE PLAY EXERCISES

The Marxist idea of hegemony (from the Greek, hegemon, leader) is one of the major contributions to media analysis and cultural theory. It can refer to either a dominant idea or a dominant media personality serving that ideology.

The media operate on the precept of ëthat which goes without saying, or the givens, or common-sense realities of everyday life, that according to the hegemonic theory, serve to maintain the dominance of the ruling class.

Exercise; Role Play.

To explore these ideas, break group into smaller groups to devise on-air interviews for presentation to the larger group.

Groups prepare interviews showing a guest saying, that which goes without saying. That is, repeating accepted core values of this society
on any topic, economics, politics or religion. Show how the interviewer, also under hegemonic influence, will react.
Or some groups stages an interview with a guest who rejects some core economic, political or religious value. Show how the interviewer might react; sensing how the listeners, or owner of the media, will take this interview.
And finally, some participants will show the controlling influence of media personalities in the service of such hegemonic influence.
Break group into appropriate sizes for each exercise, and give interview situations, ask each group to agree roles for 2-3 minutes and then to present a five minute staged interview for the larger group.

Give short introduction to each type of interview to ensure that all understand.

Allow for changes if described situations do not correspond to participant's experiences.

Plan time at the beginning of this session for you to introduce this complex and almost invisible issue. You will need to present clear examples for the participants to enable them to gain the necessary insights to perform the tasks set for them.
Leave time at the end of the workshop for a general discussion around these issues. Pose the question, if it does not arise spontaneously, about a community radio approach to interviewing which would seek to empower the participants.

Materials:
Two or three desktop microphones and stands to simulate studio discussion.
Table to represent studio desk, and some chairs.