Media a channel for government to have dialogue with the public

Chen Jining,minister of environmental protection, (Center), gives a press conference on how to promote environmental protection on the sidelines of the fourth session of China's 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 11, 2016. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

In the ongoing annual meeting of China's legislators in Beijing, many ministers of the central government have taken the initiative to give interviews to the media. This is a big change from previous years when many were reluctant to meet reporters, said Beijing Youth Daily on Sunday.

The interviews with senior officials have not only been organized news conferences, but also informal interviews held in the corridors of the conference hall during the breaks. The change in attitude originates with Premier Li Keqiang, who, before the start of the sessions of the legislative and consultative bodies, the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, urged ministers to actively respond to people's queries and concerns. Apart from answering the media's questions, some ministers have used the interviews as a way to release new information.

The ministers have set a good example for governments of various levels, since many local authorities still regard the media as troublemakers, rather than a channel for constructive communication with the public.

Although the heads of government departments may not be the spokespersons in most cases, they have the obligation to respond to people's queries, especially when public interests are at stake in the making of key decisions or key events.

More interaction between government department heads and the media can be a channel for decision-makers to better know public opinion and explain their decision-making.

The Chinese government needs to further improve its news release system and have professional spokespersons to enhance governance transparency and subject itself to public supervision.

A government having efficient communication mechanisms with the media has better communication with the whole of society and can avoid many misunderstandings and problems in its work, and win the public's trust.

Hopefully, ministers' willingness to talk to media during the sessions reflects a big change in the government's attitude toward the media, rather than merely trying to please the premier.

Dealing with the media is part of government work, as the media is an important bridge between officials and the public.

(China Daily 03/14/2016 page8)