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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Is the White House Press Corps Really Necessary?

Veteran White House reporters say the vague promise that the president will take questions in the briefing room has become all too common. But that moment seldom comes, and social media has made it easier than ever for presidents to master the art of avoiding reporters and controlling the message.

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By Warren Olney • Apr 29, 2016 • 33m Listen

Veteran White House reporters say the vague promise that the president will take questions in the briefing room has become all too common. But that moment seldom comes, and social media has made it easier than ever for presidents to master the art of avoiding reporters and controlling the message. With the latest White House Correspondents' Dinner scheduled for this weekend, what are the consequences for democracy when spin trumps journalism?

President Obama addresses the press, November 3, 2010

Official White House photo by Pete Souza

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Paul von Zielbauer

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

  • KCRW placeholder

    Peter Baker

    New York Times

  • KCRW placeholder

    Patrick Sloyan

    Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist

  • KCRW placeholder

    David Greenberg

    Rutgers University

    NewsNationalPolitics
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