Working as a journalist, you tend to get a smug sense of satisfaction when you see a government figure being grilled at the hands of the media.

It's partly because in your day-to-day work you often have to deal with bureaucratic stonewalling or evasive PR representatives, so when one of the gatekeepers is helpless under the spotlight it feels like a kind of victory.

So when 29 senior officials were forced to take part in a live TV show designed to let the public question them in Wuhan at the end of June, I, like most, was pleased that these officials would face public scrutiny.

At one point, Gao Danyan, the head of the Wuhan Administration Bureau for Industry and Commerce was handed an empty envelope by one of the presenters. Given that the audience had just seen footage of Gao's employees accepting bribes in envelopes, it was a particularly cutting joke at his expense.

I'm sure it made good TV, but it made me feel a little ill. It wasn't honest enquiry, nor was it a question which would test Gao's knowledge of his department or his ability to respond to criticism. He was simply being drawn and quartered for public amusement.

I guess this was understandable. Government officials in China rarely face the kind of harsh questioning that most Western politicians must deal with before they're even elected. So when TV networks and the public get the chance to sink their teeth in, it's a bit hard to ask them to restrain themselves.

But just because they're members of the public doesn't mean they always have the public interest at heart. I recall in early 2008, I was moderating a debate before a local government election in Australia. Audience members wrote questions for the candidates on slips of paper which were then brought to me on stage.

Did I ask every question I received? No, I didn't. Some were about irrelevant personal issues, or from people with a particular axe to grind. Some simply wanted to embarrass those on stage.

Tough questions were certainly asked and more than one candidate was displeased by the results, but at least every question was about policy or issues that affected the community at large.

I certainly didn't hand over any empty envelopes.

Consider the mixed messages that are being sent to officials throughout the country. On the one hand, the message is "shape up and improve your game." Yet they are being shown by such students that they should avoid television interviews at all costs and dealing with the public head-on will only result in misery.

Incompetent officials probably feel that way anyway, but those that are genuinely striving to do a good job are unlikely to submit to public questioning if it's packaged like this.

If we crucify those in charge for any misdemeanor that occurs in their department, then we're also bound to crucify those who are attempting to make positive changes.

The only way we can tell the difference is by asking them real questions. That's why shows like this are so important, and shouldn't be derailed by cheap gags and bloodthirsty critics. We need officials to come forward voluntarily to explain to the public what they're doing and how it's helping the country. And we need them to face tough questions, so the public has the chance to discern between the honest and the corrupt.

The author is a copy editor with the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

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@Weahtstalk

It is satisfying to see senior officials being grilled in the show, questioned by the public, commentators and the host about their incompetence. But I hope the pressure can still persist outside the show, driving officials to serve the public with due care.

@ImYangyang

No matter whether it's a show or not, it is after all an improvement that senior officials can now face the public's questions and even challenges on the big screen, while admitting their failures. This will also encourage them to improve their day-to-day work. I sincerely hope this show can be launched in the city I live.

@Starwanderer

China's democratic progress needs the help of new technologies, forms of media and communication channels. The TV program should be more than just a show.

@Zhiyuan1975

Without proper public supervision and enforcement in this field, the effectiveness of these types of shows is questionable. They may further damage the public's patience and faith in the authorities if few changes are made outside the show.

@ChrisChen

The TV show in Wuhan has successfully solved some issues of public concern. But this could only happen because senior officials supported the program. What will happen if they turn their backs?

@1014955627

While the show has been generally impressive, some hot issues haven't been mentioned on air. The program makers need to explain how they pick topics, or they will face doubts about the show's credibility in the long run.