Pre-Released Questions Spark Controversy Ahead of Interview

Odysseas Michailidis sparked criticism before his interview with Yannis Kareklas by publishing a list of 15 questions he claimed would be asked. This move raises serious questions about journalistic ethics and the autonomy of the interview. There are two possible interpretations: either there was prior agreement on the questions, which would be detrimental to the journalistic process, or Michailidis attempted to predetermine the context of the discussion, creating a theatrical performance. The intervention of Chrysanthos Tsouroullis and Nicoletta Tsikkinis underscores the seriousness of the incident. Tsouroullis asked Michailidis to clarify whether he had been given the questions, emphasizing that Kareklas would ask his own questions. This signaled an institutional distancing, as the impression had been created that something was wrong. Michailidis denied any communication with Kareklas, claiming he simply guessed the questions, an explanation that is not convincing. The problem is not only the possible agreement, but the presentation of the questions as the journalist's questions. This creates a scenario and undermines the credibility of the interview. The excuses given later are considered childish, as the list of questions was detailed and well-structured, covering a wide range of topics. The bottom line is that an interview must maintain its journalistic autonomy, otherwise it becomes a mere performance. Kareklas has additional responsibility to prove that there was no agreement, while Michailidis is under scrutiny for his move.