Washington, DC – The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) says it strongly objects to President Donald Trump’s announcement barring CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House because of their coverage.
“The president said today that the ban was effective immediately and accused the outlets of reporting ‘fake news,’ while also suggesting additional news organizations would be excluded,” the SPJ said in a statement responding to the unilateral ban.
“Government officials do not get to decide which legitimate news organisations deserve access based on whether they approve of their reporting.
“A free press must be able to question those in power, report critically on government actions and serve the public without fear that access will be revoked as punishment for unfavorable coverage.”
In a decision that is still binding, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit recognised that once the White House establishes press facilities for bona fide journalists, access cannot be denied arbitrarily or for less than compelling reasons.
The court also held that the First Amendment expressly prohibits denial of a White House press pass based on the content of a publication’s reporting.
“This is not about whether anyone agrees with the reporting of CNN, MS NOW, or Politico,” stated the SPJ, which has been improving and protecting journalism since 1909.
“It is about whether government can use access as leverage over journalism.
“The answer should be no.”
The SPJ urged the White House to reverse this decision and ensure that credentialed journalists can continue covering the presidency regardless of whether their reporting is perceived as favorable or critical.
“The public is best served by more scrutiny of government, not less.”
