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Our respondents find it deeply disturbing that politicians ask themselves the question. “Politicians also do odd jobs within their mandates. Taking into account the language skills of journalists and their profession, it is only natural that they be asked,” said Petrik N. Christophe V. Indeed, he set conditions for additional work for VRT staff. “If the speaker of parliament is allowed to do additional work on Telenet, then I see no problem if a journalist, if he is neutral, also does additional work.”

That’s how the spokesman for a public broadcaster, Bob Vermeir, sees it: “When they lead a debate, it’s always multi-party, so they maintain their independence, just like journalists from other media do.”

And political events?

Sandra V. wondered if there was enough variety in her assignments. “Or do they always end up with the same clients? Does work at VOKA, for example, influence news about the strike?” XY readers, on the other hand, primarily ask questions related to political events. However it is also possible for the Association of Flemish Journalists (VVJ). Presenting whether you can moderate a debate, even if it’s for a bank or a political party, according to national secretary Pol Deltour. “But if that kind of side job becomes a recurring activity, the awards committee will draw a line.”