Impartiality is what journalism strives to provide for its readers. Impartiality, especially in news articles, allows writers to reflect a wide range of perspectives, explore conflicting views, guarantee all opinions are represented, and present a balance in their writing. Impartial news articles, which encompass news free from government intervention, ensure their audience is well-informed on all aspects of a topic and allow their readers to make informed decisions.
Unfortunately, having completely balanced and impartial information can be very difficult, especially regarding restricted topics and areas like the Presidentof the United States and the Oval Office. The Oval Office is not a space where hundreds of news agencies can be present at every newsworthy occasion. To solve this problem, news organizations and the presidential administration created the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA).
This association works together with the White House to send news reporters, cameramen, photographers, etc. to report and film for those who were not able to send their crew. Some of the most popular news outlets in the WHCA are CNN, the New York Times, ABC News, and Fox News. The WHCA videotapes presidential movements, processes films from official White House photographers, and makes video recordings for the White House and staff.
What makes this organization so important is that it was originally made as an independent association, ensuring that all news organizations who were eligible to join the association, regardless of their political position, would be able to have their voice heard and questions answered by the president of the United States in the journalism pool.
In mid-February, President Trump completely barred the Associated Press from any presidential area after they continued to call the Gulf between America and Mexico the “Gulf of Mexico” rather than Trump’s renamed “Gulf of America.” Additionally, Trump also announced that the WHCA would no longer be in control of the journalism pool and the White House would be the sole decider of who from the Association would be allowed in the White House.
The WHCA responded saying that “this move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the President. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps.” The WHCA is strongly against this power being taken away from them. The association aims to “ensure consistent professional standards and fairness in access on behalf of all readers, viewers and listeners” which is currently being restricted by the U.S. government.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disagrees saying the move is aimed to democratize access to the president. In her announcement regarding taking over the press pool, she said “A group of DC-based journalists, the White House Correspondents’ Association, has long dictated which journalists get to ask questions of the president of the United States” which she is against. Legacy outlets who have participated in the press pool for decades will still be allowed to join but they “will also be offering the privilege to well-deserving outlets who have never been allowed to share in this awesome responsibility.”
Giving a wide range of news organizations access to the president — while still ensuring safety and security — is overall crucial for free and impartial news. The U.S. government and associations need to ensure there is no limitation based on political stance or opinion, as the people, who have various political perspectives, deserve to have their perspectives represented and their questions asked.
