Pauline Hanson's recent media outburst at the National Press Club is a stark reminder of her long-standing strategy to control the narrative. While her tactics may draw comparisons to Trump, the roots of her media manipulation run much deeper.
For Hanson, the media is a tool to project her preferred image and shield her from scrutiny. Her political persona, crafted over three decades, relies on a carefully curated public perception. Any deviation from this, as seen with Sarah Martin's question, is met with anger and retaliation.
The Rise of a Media Manipulator
Hanson's political career began with a bang in 1996, when she masterfully played the role of the underdog, painting herself as a fearless warrior against the establishment. Her background as a former Liberal candidate and her non-fast-food roles were conveniently overlooked by the media, contributing to her fairytale rise.
However, her media manipulation tactics weren't foolproof. After her initial success, Hanson faced a series of setbacks, including party expulsions, jail time, and electoral failures. These challenges were documented by the media, often without sympathy, and served as a reminder of the fragility of her political appeal.
A Return to the Spotlight
Hanson's re-emergence in federal politics in 2016 marked a shift in her media strategy. She relied heavily on trusted outlets like Sky News and sympathetic newspaper columns to spread her message. This approach allowed her to avoid critical follow-up questions and maintain control over her public image.
Her recent National Press Club appearance was a perfect showcase of her aggressive media conflict style. The incident with Guardian Australia and her party's attempts to ban the ABC are clear signals that Hanson, like Trump, believes in the power of media approval and disapproval.
Implications and Future Outlook
Hanson's media tactics have served her well so far this year, but as we approach an election year, voters will demand more accountability. The question remains: will Hanson's strategy of controlling the narrative be enough to secure her political future, or will voters seek a more transparent and accountable leadership?
In my opinion, Hanson's media attacks are a reflection of her fear of losing control. She thrives on the image of being a fearless outsider, but her intolerance towards critical media suggests a deep-seated insecurity. It will be interesting to see if her strategy of media manipulation can withstand the scrutiny of an election year.
