Staff Reports
The Biden administration announced new requirements for journalists requesting access to press briefings and events at the White House. A letter must be submitted by journalists with their employment information and proof that they work for an organization that primarily reports on news. The administration has been dealing with constant outbursts from reporters like Simon Ateba, who was not given fair representation by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The Biden administration has faced negative press from the media for unfair access to White House events.
The letter from journalists requesting access to the White House also requires the reporter to provide their physical address, their coverage of the White House in the past six months, and proof of accreditation from the press gallery in the Supreme Court, U.S. Senate, or U.S. House of Representatives. Journalists must also be willing to comply with an investigation conducted by the Secret Service to determine if they pose a potential threat to the safety or security of the President, Vice President, or White House complex.
The new guidelines also state that journalists must maintain a “professional manner” and not interfere with events or briefings on the White House campus. Any violations have the possibility of suspension or revocation of the hard pass.
White House Unveils Rules Targeting Journalists Who Refuse To Be ‘Professional’
The guidance states journalists who have access to the White House not impede "events or briefings.”
Violators face the possibility of suspension.@DailyCaller https://t.co/pleNpJX4lF
— Diana Glebova (@DianaGlebova) May 7, 2023
Simon Ateba, who interrupted several White House press briefings in the past due to not being called on, claims the new rules are due to his “presence” at the briefings. Despite this, the White House has not responded to the Caller as to why the modifications were made, and an official has stated that the rule change has been in the works for over a year and is a product of “feedback of journalists covering the White House.”
The Trump administration experienced similar situations where they tried to temporarily ban journalists who confronted administration staff. The current administration’s new requirements hope to ensure hard passes are given to reporters who regularly cover the White House, contribute to their respective media organizations, and are a vital part of the press corps. Journalists must respect their colleagues, White House employees, and guests, while observing restrictions on access to areas of the White House or accredited events. The White House is hopeful that these requirements will encourage respect and professionalism while focusing on journalism.
Source: The Daily Caller
