New York Times, CNN, others barred from press briefing

[Jenny A]

I don't know what the press laws are in Austria, but he hasn't and can't prohibit  commenting.  What he has done is denied access to himself and his spokespersons at press conferences.

Which would be illigal here. Government agencies are accountable to the press and in extension the public. Denying access is out of the question.

You said the right to comment. He can't prohibit that. He can limit access to himself and his spokesmen. That's telling about his aims, but hardly a flea bite when it comes negative coverage. After all access to him is only access to what he is willing to to say or answer. His real problem with the press is that they have a nasty habit of researching what he says and does. That he cannot stop. By prohibiting members of the press from press conferences he boosts thier credibility. It has become a badge of honor.