Select pundits for entertainment shows wisely- Francis Doku

Renowned media consultant and Graphic Showbiz columnist, Francis Doku is entreating  programme managers and producers of radio and television stations to exercise utmost diligence when selecting pundits for their entertainment shows.

He indicated that audiences have evolved and become discerning over the years, demanding  valuable and insightful perspectives about topical issues.

As a speaker on  Graphic Showbiz's Twitter(X) Dialogue Series held today, Mr Doku highlighted the responsibility of producers in ensuring that their panelists possess the necessary qualifications to discuss and analyse topics effectively.

His message was clear that the selection of pundits for on-air programmes should go beyond mere ratings and sensationalism.

Instead, he believes producers and media professionals must prioritise expertise, credibility and the ability to provide balanced insights.

"Sieve through things, don't allow just anybody on air. A lot of people who lack what it takes to be pundits go on shows and parade themselves as pundits.

"There must be a criteria and they need to meet that. Producers, presenters must sieve through to see who meets what."

He also emphasised the importance of continuous learning and personal development for pundits, stressing that it was a critical step  to accumulate valuable experience and establish a strong track record within the  field.

" Pundits must find ways to improve themselves so that they have fair knowledge about the field they find themselves in," he said.

Other speakers for the Twitter Dialogue themed, "Era of Entertainment punditry" were entertainment pundits, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, Rapper Okyeame and Reggae artiste, Iwan.

They all shared their distinguished views on entertainment punditry and called for concerted efforts to make it meaningful to the creative sector.

In the view of Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, entertainment punditry has grown into a relevant unit of the creative sector with huge recognition.