**********************
The following is issued by a spokesman for the Information Services Department today (August 10) in response to media enquiries on a statement by the Hong Kong Journalists Association - "Government promises press conferences when announcing big policies".
The Director of Information Services, Mr Michael Wong, met the Chairman and Executive Committee Members of the Hong Kong Journalists Association yesterday (August 9) to exchange views on information dissemination.
Mr Wong took the opportunity to brief them on the various arrangements for disseminating government information, as well as efforts made in recent years to enhance transparency and develop new conduits for such dissemination.
In recent years, with the speedy development of information technology, there have been new demands by the mass news media on the quality, quantity, transparency and timing of the release of information.
The Government fully appreciates that the free flow of information is a significant part of Hong Kong's advantage and strives hard to protect it. We also continue to upgrade our equipment and apply new modes of dissemination to respond to the needs of the media and, through them, convey our messages to the community.
Mr Wong stressed that press conferences had all along been an important mode of news dissemination. "It has been our practice to hold press conferences to announce major policies and measures and update the community on significant incidents."
The development of round-the-clock news places greater demand on government information dissemination and timely response. In addition to the traditional press conferences, government officials, in accordance with the situation or in response to the media, conduct background briefings or media stand-up sessions as appropriate.
Mr Wong also explained the rationale behind holding background briefings. For instance, when a government proposal is at a preliminary stage and yet to be finalised; or after the submission of a Legislative Panel paper, it may be necessary to give a more detailed explanation to the media in view of the proposed options involved, its complexity or the large quantity of data contained therein.
In addition, background briefings may also complement press conferences as officials can explain to senior media representatives in greater depth the thinking behind policy formulation, the relevant background and technical details. These briefings can be attributable or non-attributable.
Mr Wong pointed out that press conferences and background briefings held in various formats serve different purposes. It is an over-simplification to assert that background briefings will undermine the public's right to know. In fact, government bureaux and departments held more than 1,000 press conferences or briefings annually. Apart from traditional press conferences, government officials will continue to disseminate information or respond to the media through appropriate means.
The Government has been striving to develop conduits for news dissemination and enhance efficiency and transparency. We welcome views expressed by the Hong Kong Journalists Association and will continue to maintain communication with the media.
Ends/Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 23:18
NNNN