The news comes from The New York Times, which details how the change breaks “decades of precedent.” Previously, the White House Correspondents’ Association, a group representing journalists who cover the administration, set the pool rotation itself. Typically, a small number of journalists would be allowed to attend briefings in smaller spaces like the briefing room or Oval Office, and would subsequently provide “pool reports” for wider use.
Historically, this pool contained reporters from legacy outlets like NYT, CNN, Reuters, Associated Press, Fox News, and more, but Leavitt said the new policy was intended to allow “new media” outlets “to share in this awesome responsibility.” Legacy outlets would still participate, she explained, but “new voices are going to be welcomed in as well.” In a wild bit of spin, she added, “By deciding which outlets make up the limited press pool on a day-to-day basis, the White House will be restoring power back to the American people.”
Maybe it’s best not to spend too much time imagining who these “new voices” might be, lest we’re forced to picture a Paul brother (or worse) getting wrapped up in all the mess already going down on Capitol Hill. Whoever it is, White House Correspondents’ Association is mad. “This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps,” W.H.C.A. president Eugene Daniels wrote in a statement.
Further, the association said it had not been given advance notice of the major change. Said Danield, “The W.H.C.A. will never stop advocating for comprehensive access, full transparency and the right of the American public to read, listen to and watch reports from the White House, delivered without fear or favor.”
