Promises, promises FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/27/2010

Promises, promises

FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/27/2010 Every incoming president pledges to become accessible to media and even promise to give frequent press conferences. And they do become accessible to media and even hold weekly press conferences, until such time that sensitive issues cropped up, and the new president finds himself in an embarrassing situation, gives a wrong answer or a silly remark, or commits a big blooper that is moreover blown up by the media. And then comes Malacañang’s way to control the media — and this goes for all Malacañang tenants, past and present. Malacañang media start getting “orders” from the spokesmen to first submit their questions, which may be answered “officially.” Then comes the screening of the reporters and their questions, during “controlled” press conferences. As a rule, in such media conferences, reporters who are called upon to ask questions are the usually the friendly types, who would generally ask innocuous questions — and even inane ones. As things stand today, even before President-elect Noynoy Aquino takes on Malacañang, the yellow media, which are so enamored with him and the Aquinos, come up with inane front page stories on Noynoy — including his new “iconic” eyeglasses. The yellow broadcast media are even more inane, coming up with such silly reports of a rumored break-up with Noynoy’s girlfriend, who frankly, as I see it, is a doormat who is moreover not even being given any kind of attention by Sisters Inc. Why she allows this is beyond me.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100627com2.html

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