Harper’s the word, mum’s the result
Since taking office in 2006 Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been known for almost complete control of media access to his government. The Hill is the latest to run a story about these practices:
When [national] reporters request interviews, the minister’s office passes on the request with its recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office. Ministerial offices file information such as the length of time required for the interview, the topics to be discussed, the potential angle of the story, and proposed communications lines. Whether the PMO approves the interview may depend on any one of these factors, as well as the PMO’s level of trust in the minister to keep to script and conduct a successful interview. The Prime Minister’s Office is more likely to strike down controversial or long interview requests, for instance….
The Conservative media strategy is largely geared to local media, for which interviews do not require PMO approval. Local news comes first, and the strategy is derived in part from the last election campaign, when the Prime Minister focused on getting out his messages out through local, supper-hour newscasts on private stations. “The PMO is very clear. Anyone can do local media without PMO approval,” the insider said.
The Hill does not provide direct access to articles, so you’ll have to search their site for the rest of this piece, entitled “PMO clears media requests, some Cabinet ministers not allowed to talk”.
Posted: November 5th, 2007 under Getting an Interview, Political Beat.