When Journalism Becomes Spectacle: Mehdi Hasan and the Perils of Confrontational Interviews

Journalism should inform citizens and hold power to account. Tough questions are vital, but they must not slip into hostility and public ambush. The recent exchange between Mehdi Hasan and Daniel Bwala felt more like a courtroom cross-examination than a fair interview. Rapid-fire questions and constant interruptions trapped the guest and shifted focus from policy to performance. Confrontational styles may draw clicks and viral clips, but they risk humiliating guests and eroding journalistic credibility. In Nigeria, similar patterns have emerged on some news programs, where aggression overshadows meaningful dialogue. A strong interview balances rigor with respect. It exposes contradictions without ridiculing the guest. When journalism drifts toward spectacle, public discourse and trust in the media suffer.

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