Farage to host LBC radio show, while Corbyn…where’s Corbyn?

For a man keen to remove himself from the public glare and “get his life back”, former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage seems to be doing a better job than most of his political opponents at courting the media.

Following widespread media coverage of his meeting with President-elect Trump, the man has just landed himself a job on LBC talk radio.

While Farage clearly polarises public opinion (you either love him or hate him, surely nobody thinks he’s just OK) there is little doubt regarding his media savviness and his ability to provide a sound bite on cue. You might not like what he says but (taking away any political feelings) you’ve got to admire his “gift of the gab”.

LBC’s managing editor, James Rae told journalists: “With Brexit and the inauguration of President-Elect Trump, Nigel Farage is the man at the centre of the two biggest stories this year. He is a powerful communicator and has proved himself as a natural broadcaster.”

Farage stirred the pot further by adding: “If 2016 was exciting, then this year could be tumultuous with President Trump, Article 50, elections all over Europe and maybe a Eurozone crash. I can’t wait to start my daily show on LBC and I invite listeners to agree with me or challenge me and together we can lead Britain’s conversation.”

Meanwhile, at the other end of British politics, Jeremy Corbyn is nowhere to be seen or heard.

And while Corbyn has never been a fan of sound bite politics, you have to wonder if completely ignoring the media in an age where big mouthed men seem to steering the conversation.

An obvious open goal was Corbyn’s lack of response to the resignation of EU Ambassador Sir Ivan Rogers. Surely he has an opinion. Are the media ignoring him or is he ignoring the media?

Politics has changed and it seems those with the biggest mouths now yield most of the power and influence. Will we see a centerfield politician take to the airwaves in 2017 in their attempt to take a share of the voice.

Political PRs – how will you steer the conversation in this new political age?