Day 4 of the failed Obama administration

[ksmith]

The press corps is frustrated with the lack of transparency so far:

A growing media frustration with Barack Obama’s team spilled into the open at Thursday’s briefing, with reporters accusing the White House of stifling access to his oath re-do and giving Obama’s first interview as president to a multi-million dollar inauguration sponsor.

Veteran CBS newsman Bill Plante was one of the most vocal critics, questioning the White House’s handling of Wednesday night’s second swearing in – which was covered by just a four-reporter print pool that didn’t include a news photographer or TV correspondent.

Not saying the Obama administration's feet shouldn't be held to the fire. But the WH press corps spent eight years transcribing whatever Ari, Scott, and Dana fed them. Now they're chafing. I don't know what to say. All the actions I want to take involve bitch-slapping.

Comments

[michaeldthomas.livejournal.com]

I'm not shocked. The press members attached to his campaign had the same complaints.

The real issue here is the diminished status of the print media and the evening news programs. The Fourth Estate just doesn't wield much influence anymore. President Obama and his staff aren't going to kiss up like previous administrations.

[phantomminuet.livejournal.com]

Hear, hear.

[affinity8.livejournal.com]

My idea of the oath re-do is that not every single moment of this presidency needs to be relentlessly witnessed by the media.

I would like the evening news people to have access, but recognize that the media world is rapidly transforming.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

I remember that when we had a pseudo-leftist provincial government here in B.C., the papers were foaming at the mouth for the entire four years. Just from the front pages, you'd think we were all about to be yanked from our beds and fed to the KGB dogs.

It can deeply upsetting, and I feel for you.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

It's aggravating, because you can see the slant in the news broadcasts, and see the newly rediscovered spine on display. And all I can do is wonder where these people have been. They rolled over and played dead for so long, you almost forgot they existed.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

I actually stopped taking in any kind of news during the entirety of the Bush regime. This week I've decided to try buying into the renewed spirit of optimism by exposing myself to two sessions of radio news. No hives yet!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Like michaeldthomas said, the print media seems to be losing relevance. I get most of my news online now--by the time the evening news shows come on, I've heard most or all the major stories.

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

Their status may be diminished, but when you do turn on the TV, there they are, setting up the false equivalencies and spinning for all they're worth.

[planetalyx.livejournal.com]

If it was up to me, we'd stop cutting down forest for the papers. It seems horrifically wasteful.