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Friday, August 12, 2005
State Department: No Bloggers At Our Pressers
Left-wing blogger Michael Petrelis tried to gain access to a State Department press briefing, but was rebuffed when a representative from State left him a voice mail saying, “right now our policy is that the general public cannot attend press briefings, and we consider bloggers to be still in the public realm, not being an employee of a mainstream news organization. So, unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to come in to attend the briefings.”
Petrelis replied, saying, “Considering the White House press office in March began granting daily press passes to bloggers, I think State should forthwith follow the example of allowing bloggers access to media briefings. If bloggers qualify as journalists worthy of admission by the White House into press briefings, why should State have a different standard on this matter?”
The issue, to State I’m sure, is closed. But eventually this dam will break, as at the Bush White House.
UPDATE: Michael informs me via e-mail that he plans to reapply for a press pass next week, and he thinks more bloggers asking for press credentials might help.
Posted on August 12, 2005 08:33 AM. Permalink 