Argentina’s President Javier Milei is proposing a system where voters can select journalists covering his events, along with the idea of a “mute” button to limit repetitive questioning. These plans reflect Milei’s approach to press relations similar to former President Trump’s strategies and aim to enhance public representation in media coverage.
The administration of Argentina’s President Javier Milei is exploring a controversial strategy regarding press access. This plan suggests allowing voters to choose which journalists may cover presidential events while proposing a “mute” button to silence reporters who ask repeated questions. Manuel Adorni, Milei’s spokesman, initially dismissed the button’s existence but later acknowledged its appeal under specific circumstances.
Adorni confirmed that changes to press access are imminent, emphasizing a possible system where journalists from the presidential press pool are elected by the citizens. He stated, “A vote would ensure that people feel represented,” indicating the administration’s desire for more democratic engagement in press coverage.
On social media, Adorni further engaged the public by asking for their preferences regarding which journalists should remain or be removed from press access at the presidential palace. The proposed changes have drawn parallels to former President Donald Trump’s media policies, which aimed to alter traditional media access to the White House.
Like Milei, Trump had a contentious relationship with the press and considered implementing systems to regulate journalist accreditation. Milei, in his term of 15 months, has avoided traditional press conferences and has favored social media as a direct communication channel with voters, gaining support from online platforms.
In summary, President Javier Milei’s administration is considering a fundamental shift in how journalists access the presidency, potentially allowing voter choice in the selection of reporters. Additionally, the proposed introduction of a “mute” button has sparked discussions about managing press interactions. These developments echo similar strategies by former President Trump, highlighting an ongoing trend of adversarial relations with traditional media among certain political figures. The ultimate aim appears to be ensuring that citizens feel represented in media coverage, a notable shift in press dynamics in Argentina.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com