Most political campaign trails come with a press pack of journalists. Campbell Newman's bid to be re-elected as Queensland premier is no exception. But do these trips – reporting press conferences, snapping photo opportunities, enjoying campaign hospitality and generally reading from a heavily controlled script – make for good journalism and contribute to a more informed public? If audiences don't feel they're getting the real story from such contrived appearances, perhaps it's time to switch TVs and other devices off until things get real



Still pictures courtesy AAP