Mum’s the word

Journalists covering a certain government agency are at a loss on how to plan their coverage because its communications team refuses to cooperate with them.

The problem, according to a source who spoke to Nosy Tarsee, is that the head of communications is slow to answer queries. He is also inconsistent about telling them the agency chief’s schedule or activities.

“We are blind,” the journalist said. “Not one of us has ever received a message from him, even though we keep asking questions in our Viber group. There is no response.”

The agency’s briefings add to the frustration since they usually start more than 30 minutes late. Reporters said this showed little regard for their time. The comms team is also late in sending out the official’s itinerary for the next day.

The journalists are left wondering whether the agency wants to work with the media at all.

“A delayed service, as simple as starting briefings on time, is a disservice to the nation,” another journalist said. “It is their job to do that.”

The agency apparently has not realized that its tardiness has irked the reporters, who are on the verge of asking for reassignments. Perhaps the agency officials should be asked if they know the saying, “time is gold.”