A major transformation looms in the White House's James S. Brady Press Briefing Room as the Biden administration prepares to redefine media access protocols.
According to Breitbart, the White House will soon take over the responsibility of assigning media seats from the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), implementing a new system that reflects modern media consumption patterns.
The decision represents a significant shift in press room dynamics, with plans already formalized for what a senior administration official describes as a fundamental restructuring. The new arrangement will incorporate representatives from traditional television and print outlets alongside digital media platforms and online influencers.
The administration's move signals recognition of evolving media consumption habits. A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared insights into the planned changes:
The goal isn't merely favorable coverage. It's truly an honest look at consumption [of the outlets' coverage]. Influencers are important but it's tough because they aren't [equipped to provide] consistent coverage. So the ability to cover the White House is part of the metrics.
Some WHCA members have suggested modifying the organization's bylaws to make the White House press secretary the WHCA president, hoping to ease tensions between the two entities. Currently, Eugene Daniels from Politico holds the WHCA presidency.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has already implemented changes to increase accessibility for new media outlets. A dedicated "New Media" seat now exists for outlets not previously represented in the briefing room.
The inaugural briefing under the new system featured Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief and Axios's Mike Allen in the New Media seat. Breaking with tradition, they received the first questions instead of the Associated Press.
The White House has also expanded the press pool by adding a "New Media" slot after assuming control of pool scheduling from the WHCA.
The restructuring reflects broader changes in media consumption patterns and the rise of digital platforms. The new seating arrangement will accommodate representatives from emerging digital outlets such as Axios, NOTUS, and Punchbowl.
The administration emphasizes that coverage capability remains a crucial factor in seat assignments. While recognizing the importance of digital influencers, officials acknowledge the challenges of incorporating content creators who may not provide consistent coverage.
These changes mark a significant departure from historical press room protocols that traditionally favored established media organizations.
The White House's decision to assume control of briefing room seating arrangements signals a significant shift in press corps dynamics. The move reflects the administration's commitment to adapting White House communications for modern media consumption patterns.
The transition from WHCA control to White House management of seating assignments represents a fundamental change in how the administration engages with media outlets. As traditional media's influence continues to evolve, the White House's new approach aims to balance established journalism practices with emerging digital platforms, potentially setting precedents for future administrations' media relations.
