Fairly typical of this forum to blame the messenger. This govt's press strategy is based upon briefings by advisors who are unnamed. It is a condition of admittance to what today passes for the 'Lobby' that you agree not to name the three or four advisors who dish out these gems. Take the fiasco last week over the lifting of restrictions supposedly scheduled for tomorrow. That was not 'made up' by the press but briefed in advance by one or other of these advisors.
I take your point, Justin. The media can have quite a fuzzy interpretation of this convention in my experience, but as you say the formality of the "lobby" is well understood. Equally, a confidential government adviser is not an unknown person, but someone providing confidential information and advice to a client. They will have accountability through that client and through law of course. What is not known is where much information on the Web has been gathered - even on here. Many of us have privileged or confidential information from previous "incarnations" which we would not discuss. I expect you do too. What I find obnoxious are the leakers or trolls who for money or attention and with the disingenuous excuse of "public good" put information into the public domain which they were contractually required to keep private. [From that I exclude making a report to the police if a law has been broken.]
The boredom factor is another issue - where the media have flogged an issue to death before those in charge have had the moment to present it. I have always disliked feeling I am being manipulated rather than being informed.
R.
Edited by user
10 May 2020 10:49:47
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Reason: typo
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830