SSNM: Government PR must not decide which questions are "relevant"

The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers of North Macedonia (SSNM) warned that practices by the Government’s communications teams — refusing to answer reporters and limiting access to information in the public interest — threaten media freedom and transparency.

"The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers of North Macedonia expresses concern that a practice is emerging in which the Government systematically refuses to answer journalists' questions and restricts access to information of public interest. The same occurred at yesterday's event where the government's PR replied selectively to journalists' questions. It is the duty of the Government to communicate transparently with the public. Silence must not be a policy, and journalists' questions must not be left unanswered. In this way journalists cannot obtain verification of the information they seek, and press conferences must not be turned into monologues without room for questions," the SSNM said.

Union demands clear rules and respect

SSNM recalled that the Government’s press office has an explicit obligation to respond to every question from a journalist and has no mandate to judge whether a question "deserves" an answer. The union stressed that deciding which questions are relevant belongs to journalists, media outlets and the public — not to governmental communications staff.

The union also called on officials charged with media relations to treat reporters with professionalism and respect and to stop selective or evasive replies that undermine editorial verification and the public’s right to know.

As an immediate remedy SSNM urged the Government to re-establish regular, open channels with the media, to ensure access to information of public interest and to uphold the media-freedom standards guaranteed by the Constitution.

Photo: Sloboden pechat - Dragan Mitreski