MP questions ministers over unanswered media requests

Independence Party MP Diljá Mist Einarsdóttir has asked every government minister how they handle media interview requests, saying she is concerned by reports that officials refuse interviews or fail to answer questions. mbl.is reported.

“I have, of course, heard media complaints that ministers refuse to give interviews or answer questions and inquiries,” Einarsdóttir told mbl.is.

She said such conduct was neither democratic nor normal in dealings with the media in Iceland. She wants to know whether ministers follow formal procedures or whether decisions are left to their discretion.

Asked whether the problem was new, Einarsdóttir said she could not recall media complaints this loud for years about being unable to obtain interviews or answers from officials.

Three questions to ministers

Her inquiry asks whether each minister has established procedures for handling interview requests; whether the minister has rejected any requests during the current parliamentary term and, if so, how many and from which media outlets; and how many requests the minister has accepted during the term and from which outlets.

Einarsdóttir said she was pleased to be able to raise the issue in parliament, where ministers cannot avoid answering her as they might avoid the media.

“The media undeniably play an important watchdog role in a democratic society. If officials refuse to answer them or ignore them, they are undermining the media’s position and influence,” she said.