Spin doctor manages crisis in SAR

出自香港新聞網 - 樹仁新傳系學生實習習作

055023 Wong Chung Yin

Spin doctor manages crisis in SAR

2008-03-04

An experienced journalist stresses the importance of “spin doctor” to Hong Kong since every country and place strive for public opinion and supports of citizens nowadays.

Public Affairs Manager (External Relations) of Hong Kong Jockey Club, Frankie Yip says the public opinion has a certain degree of power and become the essential part of maintaining political power in modern society. If government fails to obtain the support of citizens, the leader is hard to continue his governance.

There is no denying that Hong Kong will be introduced universal suffrage in the future. Yip believes that spin doctor acts as a important role for government, especially Chief Executive. “Comparing with the United States, spin doctor is a bridge between society, government and media in Hong Kong. Since the dominating period of ex-Governor Chris Pattern, they had been appeared and kept paying much attention to relations of media. But in the United States, spin doctor is derogatory term and always linked with dirty things such as prostitute and crafty politician.”

A recent local news involved with few artists’pornography is a very popular topic in our environment but Yip said spin doctors showed their functions. “Spin doctor and crisis management are extremely close. To manage a crisis or scandal, spin doctor could persuade his clients to be honest to admit the wrong. Unfortunately, giving advice to internal is more difficult to the external crisis management.”

Yip also believes a spin doctor should have a good sense to help decision-making of government. Although the information is incomplete or even confidential, the reaction should be quick. Otherwise, a small and common problem will develop to an uncontrollable big issue.