In a word

One of the trials of being a print journalist can be in dealing with communications people. Those often referred to as “a spokesman for . . . spokeswoman for . . . (and the awful) spokesperson for . . .” Let’s call them the spokes-species.

The problem is not in dealing with them, per se. It’s just that when a camera appears you are suddenly aware what a minor minion in the scheme of things print journalists are in their eyes. Worst of all, they can’t help it.

Years of alerts, attempted advice, most earnest counselling by yours truly have made not one whit of difference. You think at last you’ve got through to said species-person. Then a camera appears and it’s as though an alcoholic has his/her first sight of drink after a long absence.

“Lust” would not be an inaccurate word to describe the uncontrollable desire that seizes said species on seeing a camera at an event he/she/it has arranged. If it is a broadcast camera then, as a print journalist, you might as well exit stage left.

Where colleagues wielding cameras, of whatever hue, are concerned, there is rarely an issue. They recognise we all have our jobs to do.

But members of the spokes-species would trample on your notebook, if not more tender areas, to get the attention of any type of camera.

Just recently I was ordered out of the way by one of said species while doing an interview. I was told it was because “. . . X is filming . . .” On another occasion I was told the arrival of a significant Irish public person at Dublin airport was for photographers only. I gate-crashed and got an interview, without quibble, from the relevant man.

More recently, I was made aware of a very significant event by a spokesperson when it was well under way, hours from Dublin, and a broadcast camera crew was already there.They had been alerted earlier in courteous fashion.

Now I ignore entreaties by the spokes-species to make way for a camera. Long ago I told myself “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” And I don’t.

From the Latin camera, meaning a "vaulted room". Since the early 18th century it is used as a short form for the Latin camera obscura , meaning "dark chamber" (for a black box with a lens that could project images of external objects). inaword@irishtimes.com