Dear Editor,
I have been in Guyana conducting a survey on matters pertaining to the PPP Congress and other current issues.
People and reporters have asked me for my views on the recent suspension of reporter Gordon Moseley.
Naturally, as a reporter in New York, I am upset whenever any reporter has been banned from anywhere. That is an infringement of the free press.
Although I am the most published ‘Guyanese’ reporter in NY, many times I don’t get invited to events addressed by Guyanese government officials because some of the organizers feel I am too tough in my questions. But that should not be the reason why reporters are excluded from press conferences.
I do not know Mr Moseley but am told he is a good reporter. Also, I am not familiar with the issue (the reason for the suspension) but I have studied the media and the US presidency during my courses on American Politics which I currently teach in New York. The American President does not suspend or ban reporters from travelling with him on Air Force One, attending the White House, being present at his press conferences, or from any event relating to the President.
The American President is not always pleased with the reporting of his activities and he does penalize reporters, but he does so in a subtle indirect manner.
The US President punishes reporters who are ‘out of line’ by not recognizing them to ask questions in press conferences. And on special events such as state dinners, ‘disliked reporters’ don’t get invited to perks, parties and special benefits offered by the President. Also, the President bypasses these ‘disfavoured’ reporters on Air Force One without saying hello to them and invites ‘favoured’ reporters to chat with him.
This influences reporters’ behaviour to be professional towards the President and not very hostile.
I do not know who advises President Jagdeo on the media and the rationale behind the suspension of Gordon Moseley. Without passing any judgment on the Moseley matter, the strategy employed by the American President in dealing with ‘hostile’ reporters should be considered. Suspension of ‘bad’ or ‘tough’ reporters from their briefings is not the way for any official to go.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
