Reporting from Parliament, which hitherto had been a specialised preserve for the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) subject to workshop and training for members seem to have been thrown overboard of late.
Instead, Bloggers, a new set of social media practitioners, devoid of such training have not only invaded Parliament, but have seemly taken over the PPC, while members stand helpless.
Subsequently, at any press briefing in the House, especially those by the Minority, the bloggers in their innumerable numbers first troop to the House even before the arrival of the traditional and accredited members of the Parliamentary Press Corps.
In such cases, the visiting Bloggers first assemble their instruments before even the arrival of the Corps Members.
Where Do They Get Their Message?
Whereas most PPC Members hardly get information concerning such in-house press briefings, Bloggers on the other hand, at the speed of lightening, first receive the message and arrive earlier.
And by the time the insiders arrive, their places have been taken over by the visitors.
As such they are seen squatting and standing by besides the filled-to-capacity place of briefing.
Hapless PPC:
When PPC Members inquire from their executives why this influx of bloggers, they are told that they do not know from where they get the information regarding press conference in Parliament.
Media Relations
Meanwhile, Media Relations of Parliament, the outfit that deals with the PPC, on most occasions, are even selective on programmes to be covered by the Corps.
So as to why Bloggers are allowed to troop to Parliament in such Press Conferences remains a mystery to the accredited members of the Parliamentary Press Corps.
By S. O. Ankamah & Edzorna Mensah
