To the Point
Do We Need a White House Press Corps?
Radio and TV gave presidents direct access to the American public. Now social media make controlling the message easier than ever. We hear what that means for the White House Press Corps and its role of telling American voters what they need to know about the policies and the actions of America's chief executive.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenRadio and TV gave presidents direct access to the American public. Now social media make controlling the message easier than ever. We hear what that means for the White House Press Corps and its role of telling American voters what they need to know about the policies and the actions of America's chief executive.
Later on the program, wildlife appears to be thriving near Chernobyl, despite massive contamination from history's worst nuclear accident.
Photo: White House press briefing, April 28, 2016.
In this episode
3 storiesThe GOP Circus Comes to California
The last time California’s June primary election mattered in a presidential year, it was 1972, when Democrat George McGovern defeated Vice President Hubert Humphrey. This year, the state with the largest number of delegates could make a difference to the GOP.
Read the story7 minIs 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.
Read the story34 minAnimals Are Masters of Chernobyl's Poisoned Land
Photo: Gerd Ludwig, National Geographic Creative In a place where nobody thought it could happen, wildlife appears to be abundant. Wolves howl near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant — 30 years after it exploded and melted down in history's worst accident of its kind. One hundred thousand people were evacuated, never to return. …
Read the story10 min
