Spokesperson reluctant to meet with the press.

(Baonghean)Since Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued the Regulations on Spokesperson and Information Provision to the Press, most administrative agencies and units have appointed spokespersons to provide information to the press. However, after five years of implementation, a paradox exists: spokespersons are reluctant to meet with the press...?!

In Nghe An province, in accordance with Decision No. 77/2007/QD-TTg dated May 28, 2007, of the Prime Minister promulgating the Regulations on Spokesperson and Information Provision to the Press, all 71 departments, agencies, organizations, and People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns in the province (hereinafter referred to as units) have appointed spokespersons and information providers to the press. Of these, 10 units have their heads also serving as spokespersons and information providers, 21 units have deputy heads as spokespersons, and the rest are chief of offices or relevant departments/divisions. A few units have issued internal regulations on spokesperson and information provision to the press, clearly defining the authority and duties of the spokesperson. This has effectively promoted the role of spokespersons, providing legally sound information to the press and significantly reducing inaccurate reporting by media outlets.

A press conference. (Illustrative image)

However, it's important to acknowledge the reality: the general mindset of spokespersons is to avoid contact with the press, or more accurately, to "avoid" the press.

Why is that?

Firstly, a prevailing reality is that spokespersons or representatives of agencies lack the skills and expertise to interact with the press. This often leads to shyness, hesitation, a lack of confidence, and even avoidance when reporters contact them unexpectedly for information. Some spokespersons may also refuse to meet with the press due to incomplete understanding of the issue. Furthermore, spokespersons haven't developed the habit of proactively organizing press conferences or providing information to the media. Even when press conferences are held, many spokespersons may not know what information the press needs.

Secondly, some agencies and units have not fully understood the purpose and significance of appointing spokespersons and providing information to the press, so this practice remains largely superficial. Many agencies appoint spokespersons, but the agency's leadership does not create conditions for the spokespersons to fully grasp information, nor does it delegate the authority to proactively work with the press. The heads of state administrative agencies appointed as spokespersons are not proactive, and in some cases even avoid providing information, especially on "difficult to answer" issues.

In the current trend, spokespersons are not only representatives of an agency or unit's voice, but also act as a bridge between that agency or unit and the press, playing a crucial role in foreign relations. This activity is closely linked to the development of an agency or unit because they are the second image (after the director or head) representing that agency or unit. The difficulties and shortcomings in the practice of spokesperson and information provision highlight the need for us to correctly understand the process of speaking and providing information to the press, and to urgently improve the implementation mechanism and vigorously promote this issue so that spokespersons can confidently and proactively engage with the press!

Lan Oanh