Argentina’s Milei administration proposes a plan to let voters choose journalists covering presidential events and introduces a “mute button” for persistent reporters. Spokesman Manuel Adorni hints at increased public engagement and compares the approach to former President Trump’s media strategies, highlighting the shift in political communication.
Argentina’s presidency is considering a contentious proposal involving electoral influence over press coverage of President Javier Milei’s activities. This plan suggests allowing voters to select which journalists are permitted to attend presidential events, thereby increasing public involvement in media access decisions. Additionally, Milei’s administration has introduced the idea of a “mute” button that could silence reporters deemed excessively persistent.
On Wednesday, Manuel Adorni, Milei’s spokesman, initially dismissed the mute button suggestion but later acknowledged its appeal, particularly in situations where a reporter monopolizes questioning time. He emphasized that this would help manage time in press interactions, hinting at the administration’s evolving approach toward media dynamics.
Adorni also confirmed plans for altering press access at the presidential palace, sharing that the administration is contemplating a voting system for journalists within the presidential press pool. This initiative aims to enhance representation and responsiveness to public sentiment regarding media presence at presidential events.
Further engaging with the public, Adorni posed questions on the social media platform X, seeking opinions on which journalists should be allowed to remain or be excluded from press briefings, signaling a direct connection with constituents regarding media representation.
These proposals draw parallels to former President Donald Trump’s approach to media access, marked by similarly adversarial relations with the press. Just last month, news emerged about the White House’s intention to control journalist accreditations for Trump, departing from a century-long tradition of independent media associations managing this process.
Milei shares similarities with Trump, notably bypassing conventional media channels and utilizing social media platforms for direct discourse with voters, a strategy amplified by his online supporters. Notably, during his 15 months in office, he has not convened a formal press conference, further underscoring his unconventional media approach.
The Argentine presidency’s proposal to elect journalists for covering President Milei’s events highlights a significant shift in press access and governance, paralleling strategies used by former President Trump. With an emphasis on direct public involvement and the controversial idea of a mute button for reporters, this initiative raises concerns about media independence and transparency. The administration’s reliance on social media to communicate with voters reflects a growing trend in contemporary political communication, significantly impacting traditional media dynamics in Argentina.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
