Why South African TV Interviews In Cars Via Zoom/Teams Hurt Credibility

In recent months, a concerning trend has emerged in South African media: professionals conducting TV interviews from their cars via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

While remote work offers flexibility, this practice damages professionalism, brand trust and audience perception.

Here’s why it must stop and what to do instead.

1. It Looks Unprofessional & Sloppy

First impressions matter. A car interior: -with distracting backgrounds, poor lighting and awkward camera angles -screams “unprepared.”

Viewers associate quality with credibility; a haphazard setup undermines expertise.

2. Audio & Visual Quality Suffers

Cars aren’t soundproof. Background noise (traffic, honking, or engine hum) disrupts clarity.

Glare from windows or shaky cameras further degrade the viewer experience.

Studios or quiet home offices exist for a reason.

3. It Hurts Brand & Personal Reputation

Interviewees represent their companies or fields.

A car interview suggests disregard for the audience’s time and the topic’s importance.

Would a CEO take a shareholder call from their backseat? Likely not.

4. Missed Engagement Opportunities

A proper setup allows for visual aids, branding, and controlled interactions. A car interview limits engagement—no screensharing, no eye contact, and zero control over interruptions.

5. South Africa Deserves Better Standards

SA’s media landscape competes globally. Low-effort interviews reinforce stereotypes about “unserious” African professionalism.

Elevating production quality elevates the nation’s voice.

Better Alternatives:

• Use a Home Office: A tidy backdrop, ring light, and mic cost less than reputation damage.

• Rent a Co-Working Space: Many affordable options offer professional settings.

• Pre-Record: If live isn’t mandatory, record in a stable environment.

Convenience shouldn’t override credibility.

South African professionals must reject car interviews: mediocrity shouldn’t trend. Demand better, deliver better.

Reputation managers, weigh in: please: How do car interviews damage brand perception on TV? Drop your insights below! #MediaReputation #Professionalism”.