Originally published September 13, 2023 8:51 am PDT
In a move that has raised eyebrows among media circles and advocates of press freedom, the White House has taken the uncommon step of directly reaching out to leading U.S. news organizations.
The communication advises these outlets on how to cover the impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden, initiated by House Republicans, according to a CNN report.
Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House Counsel’s Office, penned a letter aimed at the chiefs of top-tier news outlets like CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, CBS News, and the Associated Press.
Sams wrote, “It’s time for the media to ramp up its scrutiny of House Republicans for opening an impeachment inquiry based on lies.”
Furthermore, he suggests the current impeachment inquiry should “set off alarm bells for news organizations.”
This direct intervention follows House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s announcement regarding the beginning of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
While the reasons behind McCarthy’s decision vary depending on who you ask, the White House’s decision to directly guide media outlets on their coverage can be seen as a concerning precedent.
The Biden administration’s efforts to shape media narratives have been evident before, but this letter underscores a more direct approach.
Despite the myriad of fact-checks that have flooded news outlets, it seems the White House is advocating for a specific type of media narrative.
Sams’ letter conveys a sentiment that the press should “hold those in power accountable,” but critics could argue that the independent press already holds this as a primary function.
The essence of the relationship between the government and the free press is autonomy.
By reaching out directly to advise on news narratives, the White House has ignited a debate about the boundaries of government intervention in journalistic practices.
