I noticed something between the unveilings of the Detroit Auto Show and those of Montreal. Of course, the stands and model launches weren't as flamboyant here at home than in Detroit. However, what surprised me most during the press days were the spectators.
The media present in Detroit, when a press conference started, became silent. Apart from a few people, everyone was following closely. And, when the covers were lifted off the cars, the journalists applauded and awed.
In Montreal, our local journalists have a different approach.
During the speeches of the manufacturers' top brass, some talk to each other. Some don't even turn off their cell phones, or at least put them in vibration mode. Finally, others simply don't listen to the conference, and prefer sitting in cars that are on the show floor. And when they climb out of these cars, they slam the doors.
So, here I am trying to take down notes, but all I hear is people talking about their cottage up north, telephones ringing, and car doors slamming. The cover is lifted off the new car, and we only hear a few applauses left and right, that's it. Funny thing, though, is that all these journalists are already anxious to drive this vehicle.
Am I wrong, or is this a total lack of respect? It's a lack of respect towards those who are at the origin of your paychecks. Think about it. You'll stuff your faces with free breakfasts and lunches, you drive around in brand-new press cars every week, you go on free trips to car shows and vehicle launches. But when it's time to stop talking for five minutes and listen to the company presidents proudly talk about their sales results and their new products, you don't pay attention and prefer asking for a written version of the press conference instead. Hey, it's a lot easier that way.
Also, when the press conference ends, you run to the media representative to talk about the weather or any other irrelevant subject, or to beg for more press cars. However, this poor representative has but a few minutes to mingle with dozens of journalists running towards him or her. Say hello and thank you, give them your business card, and make room for others.
I may be relatively new in the automotive journalism world, but you, dear members of the press, already embarrass me. Next time you're assisting a press conference, shut up!
The media present in Detroit, when a press conference started, became silent. Apart from a few people, everyone was following closely. And, when the covers were lifted off the cars, the journalists applauded and awed.
In Montreal, our local journalists have a different approach.
During the speeches of the manufacturers' top brass, some talk to each other. Some don't even turn off their cell phones, or at least put them in vibration mode. Finally, others simply don't listen to the conference, and prefer sitting in cars that are on the show floor. And when they climb out of these cars, they slam the doors.
So, here I am trying to take down notes, but all I hear is people talking about their cottage up north, telephones ringing, and car doors slamming. The cover is lifted off the new car, and we only hear a few applauses left and right, that's it. Funny thing, though, is that all these journalists are already anxious to drive this vehicle.
Am I wrong, or is this a total lack of respect? It's a lack of respect towards those who are at the origin of your paychecks. Think about it. You'll stuff your faces with free breakfasts and lunches, you drive around in brand-new press cars every week, you go on free trips to car shows and vehicle launches. But when it's time to stop talking for five minutes and listen to the company presidents proudly talk about their sales results and their new products, you don't pay attention and prefer asking for a written version of the press conference instead. Hey, it's a lot easier that way.
Also, when the press conference ends, you run to the media representative to talk about the weather or any other irrelevant subject, or to beg for more press cars. However, this poor representative has but a few minutes to mingle with dozens of journalists running towards him or her. Say hello and thank you, give them your business card, and make room for others.
I may be relatively new in the automotive journalism world, but you, dear members of the press, already embarrass me. Next time you're assisting a press conference, shut up!