Trump press secretary Sean Spicer has established a new modus operandi in calling on media representatives at daily briefings, often bypassing mainstream news outlets in favor of outlets that support the president. The New York Times, February 11, 2017, by Larry Buchannan and Karen Yourish)
The Trump administration is also extending the practice of skirting the “liberal” media to formal press conferences as exemplified by the joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 13. MSNBC’s Brian Williams complained that the press conference was notable for its lack of tough and timely questions. (The Poynter Institute, February 132, 2017, by James Warren)
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Has the James Brady Briefing Room been morphed into an “Animal Farm” where all the journalists are equal, but some journalists are more equal than others? Every reporter who gains entry to the room goes through an FBI background check prior to receiving their White House press credential. And surviving the background check process should be enough to put all members of the White House press corps on equal footing.Traditionally, reporters from the wire services, networks and major newspapers were able to secure the front row seats which enhanced their ability to ask questions, but the corps has always had its Sarah McClendon and Lester Kinsolving types to ask an awkward, professionally embarrassing question. And do you really think the antisemitic Helen Thomas was such a prize?
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