Reuters, AP, Bloomberg warn against limiting White House media access
Reuters, The Associated Press, and Bloomberg News issued a statement on Wednesday warning that limiting the number of wire services with access to the White House threatens the principle of an "independent, free press." File pic by REUTERS
ISTANBUL: Reuters, The Associated Press, and Bloomberg News issued a statement on Wednesday warning that limiting the number of wire services with access to the White House threatens the principle of an "independent, free press." Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"It is essential in a democracy for the public to have access to news about their government from an independent, free press," the statement said.
"We believe that any steps by the government to limit the number of wire services with access to the President threaten that principle," it said.
The statement emphasised the critical role wire services play in providing "accurate, fair, and timely" information to global audiences, including local news outlets, businesses, and financial markets.
The warning follows the White House's announcement on Tuesday that it would control the rotation of journalists covering presidential events, a role traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA).
WHCA President Eugene Daniels criticised the move, stating that it "tears at the independence of a free press" and allows the government to choose its own media corps.
-- BERNAMA
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