Sometimes as journalists, we not only break news but social norms.

Let me give you an example: At the high-profile news conference before the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress, there was drama when a reporter shouted out repeatedly for his chance to speak.

When given the opportunity, and only after a long introduction, he presented his question, which in short concerned the reasons a retired military official had recently been appointed as the deputy director of the finance committee of the NPC.

It was later revealed in a social media post written by a journalist from Phoenix TV that this loudmouthed reporter had even tried to force himself onto the front row before the news conference started.

The post, which went viral online, criticized the reporter for "not showing respect" and "not following the norms". Some even accused him of making a scene to get personal exposure at a high-profile news conference.

After reading the post, I couldn't help but ask myself: What are the norms a reporter should follow? What is the proper way he or she is supposed to behave when covering such a highly anticipated political event as the two sessions?

Journalism is a competitive job and the intensity of covering the two sessions is huge. The meetings are known for being a media battlefield as reporters compete and even clash with one another to get the best scoops or interview opportunities.

We chase the big names and try speak to top politicians, who are otherwise extremely difficult to access, and ask them questions on their social and economic policies.

Often, we run into ministers or senior officials in the hallway, in elevators or outside the bathroom. If we hesitate for a second, we would completely miss the opportunity. Young reporters can also be intimidated by their power and stature.

We have to be pushy, and even aggressive sometimes, to grab any interview opportunity available, to press the speakers and to confront them with questions that matter to the public.

Sometimes, to pursue a story and accomplish our duties, we have to be breakers of social norms－not waiting for our turn, interrupting people and shouting out questions.

But I would say the best practitioners of journalism are those who know how to delicately conduct themselves, and who are competitive while maintaining respect and decency.

The reporter who was criticized could have showed more respect to his colleagues and behaved more professionally by making his question sharper and more concise.

After all, the issue he raised is a matter of public interest and his question deserved an answer.

Contact the writer at lixiang@chinadaily.com.cn