Why are journalists not invited to the events of Azerbaijani government agencies?
The great majority of the information sources for media representatives are government agencies.
18:17 / 18.02.2010 But in most cases it is impossible to get information from some government agencies, though according to the legislation, the government agencies must give information about their activity to media. Recently journalists have not been invited to the meetings of government agencies, meetings, board meetings. APA tried to investigate why media representatives are not invited to the meetings of government agencies – ministries, state committees, law-enforcement bodies.
The journalists cooperating with Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers are not satisfied with the level of Cabinet’s relations with media. They say the press service does not answer the questions concerning the activity of the Cabinet, invite to the meetings only TV channels, do not issue press release concerning the meetings. Spokesman for the Cabinet Akif Ali told APA that invitation of TV channels and state agency to the meetings is connected with the limit of place.
“When the hall is large we invite all media representatives. This is not discrimination. The invitations depend on the format of the meetings, receptions,” he said.
Akif Ali said the press service posts the press releases on the official website of the Cabinet.
As regards the Interior Ministry, journalists complain that they are not invited to the board meetings, conferences. Only TV channels were invited to the board meeting of the ministry held on January 29. Deputy spokesman for the ministry Ehsan Zahidov told APA that they attach great importance to the relations with mass media and public.
As regards the reports that the relations of the local police offices with media are prohibited, Ehsan Zahidov said they are not true. On the contrary, they local police offices are told to give information to media about the measures taken to combat crimes.
“Invitation of TV channels to the board meetings is connected with the problem of place. As there are not enough seats in the hall, only TV channels and state agency are invited,” he said.Bu yazı ( 306 ) - dəfə oxunmuşdur
