Published Aug 16, 2024 | 8:35 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 16, 2024 | 8:35 AM
Telangana government delegation in the USA. (X)
Telangana has an Information and Public Relations Department. But is it competent enough to handle Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s media relations activities?
The question crossed several minds after the chief minister’s recent tour to the US. His entourage included an Editor of a mainstream newspaper— just one — who was “officially” tasked with handling media relations during Revanth Reddy’s Davos visit, as per a government order issued on 28 December. Now, photos showed the journalist with Revanth Reddy in the US too.
Incidentally, the US was not the editor’s first trip abroad with the chief minister. The person in question was with Revanth Reddy in Davos, where the chief minister attended the World Economic Forum’s annual conference from 15 to 18 January.
It was also said that the journalist, close to the chief minister, shared Revanth Reddy’s accommodation in the alpine town.
Journalists have the privilege of rubbing shoulders with those who matter. They rarely flaunt their influence in public, which could raise doubts about their credibility. This particular journalist, however, did not mind staking his credibility.
The Opposition BRS cried foul over the journalist’s presence. Taking a swipe at the publication where the journalist is the editor, a BRS leader termed the journalist’s trip a conflict of interest. The leader wondered how the publication — said to be Congress-leaning — could present reports objectively when the editor is pally with the chief minister.
The BRS further said it would take up the matter with the Press Council. Whether it takes up or not, the party has a valid point: A journalist should remain a journalist. If one wants to act as the public relations officer of the chief minister, that person should quit journalism.
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
