DCs instructed to appoint ‘focal persons’ to ease journalists’ access to information

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana said on Wednesday that Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the country have been instructed to appoint “focal persons” to facilitate the flow of information to journalists at the field level.

She made the remarks while speaking to reporters after the working session on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the fourth day of the DC Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Responding to a question on whether the government was considering introducing a spokesperson system to address bureaucratic difficulties often faced by local journalists in obtaining information at the district level, the secretary said DCs have been asked to designate a focal person.

“I have told them to appoint one focal person who will deal with you and provide you with news and information so that you can prepare reports in a transparent manner,” she said.

Asked why focal persons are often reluctant to speak in front of television cameras, Mahbuba said not everyone is comfortable appearing on television.

“It is natural that not everyone wants to come on television. Even for me, there are certain guidelines. I need permission from the Cabinet Secretary to know whether I am a suitable government spokesperson,” she said.

She added that in such cases journalists could disseminate written statements, as it is normal that not everyone would be willing to appear before television cameras.