[Unpad.ac.id, 15/05/2013] Alvin Adam, Indonesian news presenter, shared his professional experience with students from faculty of communication sciences, Unpad, at the Oemi Abdurachman Room in Jatinangor, in which the dean and vice dean III FIKOM were present. He spoke on journalism of empathy.
“This type of journalism stresses empathy in which interviewers build personal connection with their guests,” said Adam, whose Talk Show is rated success in Indonesian television.
Adam understood that Indonesian television talk shows put their guests as object. No empathy is ever shown. “It is actually trivial, yet people forsake it,” he added.
“I always want to put myself in their shoes. Thus, there is Just Alvin,” said he.
Adam’s ability to become very acquainted with his guests makes Just Alvin different from any other talk shows. His talk show puts the presenter as close listeners of the guests. “I have never made any question list. I just put myself as good listeners and always provide whatever my guests look for,” said he.
Communication competence is therefore a key to journalism of empathy, in addition to authenticity.
