Press Conferences Become Scripted Shows: Journalists Cry Foul

Journalists are increasingly encountering film promotions that are disguised as press conferences, leading to significant frustration. These events, meant for two-way interaction, are often reduced to showcases with minimal journalistic opportunity. A recent experience in Delhi highlighted this issue, where attendees endured two hours of promotional material and inappropriate commentary instead of engaging in meaningful Q&A.

The trend extends beyond one city, with similar disappointing experiences reported from Vijaywada and Hyderabad. Journalists are often asked to submit questions in advance, allowing for their filtering and elimination of any that might challenge the narrative. This controlled environment, even extending to monitored online interviews, stifles genuine journalistic inquiry.

This systematic curbing of press freedom in entertainment reporting raises concerns about the future of film journalism. The author questions what drives this fear of unscripted moments and whether press conferences will devolve into mere fan meets with only pre-approved questions being answered.