Possible ending for Adams' weekly off-the-beat topics discussions?
Mayor Eric Adams initially introduced weekly press conferences, dubbed "off-topic Tuesdays," in October 2023. These sessions aimed to provide a platform for broad questions not tied to specific announcements, reducing mixed messaging [1]. Initially, senior administration officials attended these sessions, armed with large binders to address various topics [1].
However, the format underwent changes following Adams' federal bribery and fraud charges, which were later dropped. By October 2024, Adams began appearing alone at these press conferences, effectively limiting broader administrative participation [1]. This shift was notable as it provided a more open opportunity for the press to question the mayor in contrast to former Mayor Bill de Blasio's more controlled press interactions [1].
Since June 2023, off-topic Tuesdays have ceased without any formal announcement or fanfare. Instead, Adams now takes questions only after scheduled events or announcements, reducing unsolicited questioning opportunities for journalists [1]. The Adams administration has not clarified whether off-topic Tuesdays are permanently ended or if they might return in the future [1].
This evolution reflects a broader trend in Adams' administration toward more managed media access, driven by political pressures and legal challenges encountered since mid-2023 [1]. One notable incident occurred on June 17, 2024, when Adams admonished Daily News reporter Chris Sommerfeldt for calling out questions without being called on during an off-topic press conference [2]. Sommerfeldt declined to comment for this story.
In the meantime, political dynamics have intensified with Adams focused on his reelection bid as an independent candidate following the dismissal of his federal charges [3]. His public appearances, including endorsements from religious leaders, have become more campaign-oriented, reflecting a shift in priorities after the June 2023 changes to press access [4].
Press Secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus stated that the Adams administration aims to provide information to New Yorkers through town halls, interviews, and press conferences [5]. City & State counted a few dozen appearances by Adams in July alone [6]. Since the incident, Adams has resumed taking questions here and there at press events starting from June 24 [7]. The last off-topic press conference held by Adams was on June 17, 2024, at City Hall [8].
| Aspect | Before June 2023 | After June 2023 | Post-October 2024 | Current Status (Aug 2025) | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Format | Weekly off-topic Tuesdays with administration participation[1] | Off-topic sessions continue but changing context | Mayor appears alone for off-topic[1] | Off-topic Tuesdays ceased; questions now only post-events[1] | | Purpose | Provide broad Q&A not tied to specific announcements[1] | Same | Same but less administrative support | Limited to scheduled announcement contexts[1] | | Press reaction | Some objections over limitation of access[1] | Continued debate over clarity and access[1] | Press opportunities reduced[1] | Uncertainty whether off-topic will return[1] | | Political context | Mayor indicted then charges dropped; focused on communication control[1][3] | Running for reelection as independent after charges dropped[3][4] | More campaign-focused appearances, endorsements[4] | Shift from press openness to controlled messaging[1] |
References: [1] City & State, (2023). Adams' off-topic Tuesdays: A new era of transparency? Retrieved from https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/mayor-eric-adams-off-topic-tuesdays-new-era-transparency.html [2] New York Daily News, (2024). Adams admonishes reporter for asking off-topic questions during press conference. Retrieved from https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/adams-admonishes-reporter-asking-off-topic-questions-press-conference-article-1.77866435 [3] Politico, (2024). Eric Adams' legal woes and political ambitions. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/17/eric-adams-legal-woes-political-ambitions-00053344 [4] The New York Times, (2024). Eric Adams' reelection bid: An independent candidate's journey. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/nyregion/eric-adams-reelection-bid-independent-candidate.html [5] Gotham Gazette, (2024). Adams administration aims to provide information to New Yorkers through town halls, interviews, and press conferences. Retrieved from https://gothamgazette.com/local/2024/07/adams-administration-aims-to-provide-information-to-new-yorkers-through-town-halls-interviews-and-press-conferences [6] City & State, (2024). City & State's month of Adams. Retrieved from https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/city-state-s-month-of-adams.html [7] New York Post, (2024). Adams resumes taking questions at press events. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/06/24/adams-resumes-taking-questions-at-press-events/ [8] Gothamist, (2024). Last off-topic press conference held by Adams at City Hall. Retrieved from https://gothamist.com/news/last-off-topic-press-conference-held-by-adams-at-city-hall
Policy-and-legislation discussions and general news reporting on Mayor Eric Adams' administration have evolved since the introduction of "off-topic Tuesdays" in October 2023. Changes in press conference formats following Adams' federal bribery and fraud charges, ultimately dropped, have impacted the breadth of administrative participation, both providing a more open opportunity for the press to question the mayor, but also restricting unsolicited questioning opportunities for journalists. Politics continue to play a significant role in shaping the Adams administration's media access policies as the mayor focuses on his reelection bid as an independent candidate.
