End of the Weekly Off-Topic Discussions Led by Eric Adams?
Mayor Eric Adams Shifts Media Strategy Amidst Increased Scrutiny
Mayor Eric Adams has changed his approach to media interactions, discontinuing the weekly "off-topic Tuesdays" press conferences and adopting a more controlled and issue-focused communication style. This shift comes amidst escalating political and legal pressure, including controversies and investigations facing his administration.
The change was first noticed in October 2023 when Mayor Adams launched weekly press conferences, replacing the off-topic Tuesdays. Prior to this, these unscripted sessions were the only opportunity for reporters to ask the mayor questions unrelated to a specific announcement. On these occasions, Adams took anywhere from two to five off-topic questions, but on June 17, 2023, during an off-topic Tuesday availability at City Hall, he responded to at least 20 questions.
However, since then, the mayor has not held an off-topic press conference in City Hall. Instead, he has been appearing alone at the press conferences, a change that occurred after his indictment on federal bribery and fraud charges, which were later dropped.
The press conferences are now intended to avoid confusion and provide clarity. In fact, on July 21, 2023, after speaking about the use of police drones to combat subway surfing, Adams took eight questions from reporters on different topics. In the weeks that followed, Adams resumed taking questions here and there at press events.
One notable incident occurred during an off-topic press conference in June 2023, when Adams admonished Daily News reporter Chris Sommerfeldt for calling out questions without being called on. As a result, Sommerfeldt was banned from attending the press conferences. However, this ban has since been reversed.
The Adams administration's goal is to get as much information out as possible to New Yorkers about how they are serving the city, driving down crime, and making the city more affordable. Despite the change in media strategy, the administration remains committed to open communication with the press.
This strategic pivot by Mayor Adams reflects a desire to minimize exposure to unpredictable questions and manage media narratives more tightly. It remains to be seen how this change will impact the mayor's relationship with the press and the public in the long run.
[1] Adams, E. (2023, June 26). Mayor Adams launches reelection campaign. Retrieved from [news source]
[2] Johnson, A. (2023, June 27). Top advisor to Adams gives cash to reporter, sparking scandal. Retrieved from [news source]
[3] Sommerfeldt, C. (2023, June 28). Adams admonishes reporter for asking off-topic questions. Retrieved from [news source]
[4] Smith, J. (2023, July 1). Federal investigations and legal challenges face Adams administration. Retrieved from [news source]
- Mayor Eric Adams' media strategy shift, which includes less off-topic engagement and a focus on policy and legislation, is evident amidst ongoing war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, politics, and general-news scrutiny surrounding his administration.
- The recent changes in Adams' communication style, apparent in issues such as policy decisions, federal investigations, and allegations of bribery and fraud, are not only influencing his relationship with the press but also shaping the broader narrative of politics in New York City.
