Media a channel for government to have dialogue with the public

IN THE ONGOING ANNUAL MEETING OF CHINA'S LEGISLATORS IN BEIJING, many ministers of the central government have taken the initiative to give interviews to the media. This is a big change from previous years when many were reluctant to meet reporters, said Beijing Youth Daily on Sunday.

The interviews with senior officials have not only been organized news conferences, but also informal interviews held in the corridors of the conference hall during the breaks. The change in attitude originates with Premier Li Keqiang, who, before the start of the sessions of the legislative and consultative bodies, the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, urged ministers to actively respond to people's queries and concerns. Apart from answering the media's questions, some ministers have used the interviews as a way to release new information.

The ministers have set a good example for governments of various levels, since many local authorities still regard the media as troublemakers, rather than a channel for constructive communication with the public.