The White House is preparing to introduce a new seating arrangement in its press briefing room, which could result in changes to how and where different media outlets are positioned during official briefings.
Traditionally, seating arrangements have been managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), a group made up of journalists covering the presidency. However, recent reports suggest the administration will now take a more active role in designing and enforcing the layout.
Reflecting Modern Media Trends
A senior official noted that the change aims to better reflect how people consume news today. Factors such as an outlet’s digital reach and ability to consistently cover the White House may play a role in determining their placement.
While major legacy media outlets will still be included near the front, some may see reduced visibility compared to previous years. The goal, according to the source, is to balance “responsible disruption” with the need to maintain access for all members of the press.
Response from Journalists
The WHCA expressed concern about the shift, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent press. The group warned that changes to seating should not appear to influence which reporters get the most access.
Despite the new arrangement, no outlet is being banned from attending briefings or covering the president, according to officials.
Review of Media-Related Government Spending
Separately, the White House is also reviewing spending on media subscriptions and contracts across federal agencies. A recent audit led to the decision to phase out certain contracts viewed as unnecessary, part of a broader cost-efficiency initiative.
Officials confirmed that millions of taxpayer dollars previously allocated for media subscriptions will be reallocated. The effort is part of a larger review of federal spending, with an emphasis on transparency and budget efficiency.
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