Off-topic Tuesdays, initiated to avoid confusion in communications, have been discontinued by Mayor Eric Adams, who now allows questions only after scheduled announcements. Although this format aimed to deliver clarity, reporters criticized it for limiting their chances to ask diverse questions. Initial sessions included several administration officials, but after a series of events, Adams began attending alone. The final off-topic session occurred in June, coinciding with tensions between Adams and reporter Chris Sommerfeldt, which led to a ban from future press conferences.
"This will give you an opportunity so we don't mix the messages. We want to be as clear as possible," Adams said when launching the weekly press conferences.
Reporters argued that the fast pace of news in New York demanded more than one opportunity a week for questions, contrary to the new press format.
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