Critical questions virtually impossible

Since almost all press briefings and Cabinet briefings moved to virtual these days, journalists find it difficult to raise critical questions or follow up questions with government ministers and officials.

In some instances, journalists alleged they were cut short from raising follow up questions or not even allowed to raise questions at all if he/ she is representing a media institution deemed hostile to the government.

The latest blow in this regard is government ministers and officials sending their media secretaries and speechwriters to these briefings in the guise of journalists with prepared questions in order to shift the focus on a particular subject.

Early this week, the newly declared Media Centre for National Development organised a press briefing with the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda. During the Q& A, a former journalist turned official also raised two lengthy questions on a different subject while giving the minister some clues on the response.