An ABC Journo Who Got Shut Down By ScoMo Has Become TikTok’s New Hero

In these strange times we’re living in, one could argue that political press conferences have never had a bigger moment.

With more and more people shut inside due to the coronavirus restrictions, and more and more people desperate for news, a lot more people are finding themselves glued to the constant updates from ScoMo and team.

Under those circumstances it was only a matter of time before it became perfect meme fodder — and this week that gift came courtesy of ABC political editor Andrew Probyn.

This is one of several times @ScottMorrisonMP tells Andrew Probyn, an employee of the national broadcaster, to stop asking questions. Worth noting he doesn’t do this to anyone from #NewsCorp, #SkyNews, Nine or Seven. #Coronavid19 #COVID19Aus #AusPolpic.twitter.com/7wOOeVuBS8

— Kiera (@KieraGorden) March 22, 2020

The journalist unexpectedly became a massive TikTok meme after he was chastised by the Prime Minister for trying to follow up his question with another.

The press conference in question was on Sunday with the PM and Australia’s chief medical officer Brendan Murphy, where they announced our strict new coronavirus restrictions.

After Andrew tried to follow up with Mr Murphy about social isolation, a seemingly exasperated ScoMo butted in and shut him down.

“Andrew, I’m sorry, you’ve had several questions,” he said.

“Andrew, I’m sorry, Andrew. I know, but you don’t run the press conference, OK? So I’m going to go to other questions of members of the group.

“I’m happy to return to you but let’s just keep it civil.”

The ONLY thing that the PM makes clear in every press conference, is that he hates @andrewprobyn

— Rhys Muldoon (@rhysam) March 25, 2020

With all the mixed messages that have come through during these press conferences, journalists have been working extra hard to try to cut through and clarify what’s actually going on.

For his efforts Andrew has become somewhat of an internet hero, with people not loving the idea of the Prime Minister trying to shut someone down for trying to get a straight answer to a question.

 

Andrew has even responded to some of the videos, observing that this is probably the only time his kids have taken notice of his work.

This is the only bit of their dad’s “work” that my kids have taken real notice of … ever.
Sad.

— Andrew Probyn (@andrewprobyn) March 24, 2020

While we can all enjoy the memes — and appreciate the way they’ve drawn people into the political debate — they also go to show some of the challenges journalists face when trying to do their jobs.

So you know how all we plead with journos to ask the hard questions. And we wonder why it's so difficult.@andrewprobyn has now been knee-capped 3 press conferences in a row.#coronavirusau

— Order No.227 (@AnthonyCole68) March 25, 2020

With plenty more press conferences to come, there will be plenty more opportunities for Andrew to ask ScoMo lots more questions.