TO have a more cohesive story and to maintain a harmonious relationship between reporters and sources, some members of the Cebu media asked government agencies to have more accessible information officers.
Instead of the usual forum where members of the media throw in the questions, some of those covering the Association of Government Information Officers 7 sixth general assembly held at the Government Service Insurance System sat on the panelists’ area to answer the concerns of the information officers (IO).
“IO should be accessible. If the IO is not in the position to answer the questions, then refer us to the regional director, assistant head or the division head. Give us the trail, tell us who to interview,” said Mitchelle Palaubsanon of The Freeman.
She was joined by Chris Ligan of the Cebu Catholic Television Network and Izobelle Pulgo of Cebu Daily News who answered the different concerns of the government agencies.
Among these concerns were alleged biased reports, erroneous stories, not following the press releases (PR) and the lack of reporter-attendees in the press conferences they call.
The media practitioners, for their part, explained that when two personalities call for a press conference set at the same schedule, they have to choose between what’s timely, prominent, and which would be of more significance to the readers.
As a broadcaster, Ligan asked the IOs to also provide Cebuano versions of the PRs, especially for radio reporters as their news breaks more often.
In the event that a report was written wrongfully, the media urged the agencies to communicate with the editors for the latter to act on the matter.
The media also presented their concerns on accessibility, especially when covering events held in private properties and the central command and media restraint.
The Ios, for their part, assured that they will heed to the suggestions and work on the concerns of the media to strengthen their support on the freedom of information.
