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.
By Warren Olney • • 33m ListenVeteran 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
The full episode
2 of 3
Do We Need a White House Press Corps?- 1:51The GOP Circus Comes to California
- 8:42Is the White House Press Corps Really Necessary?You’re reading this
- 42:55Animals Are Masters of Chernobyl's Poisoned Land
Warren Olney
former KCRW broadcaster
Paul von Zielbauer
Co-founder of Geezer magazine, former producer for To the Point and Which Way LA?; former reporter for the New York Times
Evan George
Director of Content, News
Katie Cooper
Producer, 'One year Later'
Peter Baker
New York Times
Patrick Sloyan
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
David Greenberg
Rutgers University
The full episode
2 of 3Do We Need a White House Press Corps?- 1:51The GOP Circus Comes to California
- 8:42Is the White House Press Corps Really Necessary?You’re reading this
- 42:55Animals Are Masters of Chernobyl's Poisoned Land