Journalists' bodies address Q&A controversy

The Journalists' Committee and the Institute of Maltese Journalists said yesterday they had received a complaint from the Press Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister about One News journalist Charlon Gouder.

The Journalists' Committee said the Press Secretary complained that Mr Gouder persisted in following the Prime Minister for a comment during an official event at a private company, to the point that the company head was forced to intervene so that Dr Gonzi could tour the premises.

Mr Gouder told the Journalists' Committee that when he asked the Prime Minister for a comment about the controversial court cleaning services tender, he was told to submit his questions in writing and that he would get a reply. He said he had asked the Prime Minister previously for a comment in this regard and an interview but was similarly told to send his questions in writing.

The Journalists' Committee said it feels this incident had nothing to do with journalistic ethics but with basic manners. It is also important to note that this was an official event to which journalists were invited by the Department of Information, hence a public event for which the Prime Minister himself requested press coverage.

"It is up to the Prime Minister to comment or not but he should understand the nature of the medium," committee chairman Karl Schembri said.

"A camera requires him in front of it, rather than an e-mail, unless it is about a purely technical issue which he could not answer there and then.

"It is the journalists' duty to ask questions and insist with public figures that they answer them. A no comment is also an answer and should be taken as such. The Journalists' Committee believes there are no ethical questions involved here. It believes journalists should be and remain inquisitive with public figures while respecting basic manners, while the Office of the Prime Minister should ease access to information, to the Prime Minister's views and provide answers in a timely manner whenever questions are sent to it," Mr Schembri said.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists said Mr Gouder said this was the fifth time that One News journalists tried to get a comment from Dr Gonzi on the issue. On two occasions Mr Gouder had asked the Press Secretary for a two-minute comment by the Prime Minister.

Mr Gouder said he waited until the end of the activity before asking Dr Gonzi for a comment. The Prime Minister was also asked to give an interview after Labour leader Alfred Sant concluded a press conference on the subject. However, the request was not approved.

The institute said that while journalists are in duty bound to get answers to legitimate questions, politicians can decline to comment. It mentioned Dr Sant and MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon who did not answer questions related to internal party affairs.

"While politicians should try to answer questions about legitimate information, journalists should also show discretion and respect towards the office and position of those who can give the information," the institute said.

It added that the time has come to launch the code of practice for journalists, which is being compiled by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with journalists' organisations.