The introduction of a “new media” seat at the White House marks a notable shift, as this administration has not reached out to those who typically don’t engage with the traditional press corps.
Conceived by the Caroline Leavitt Press, this initiative seeks to challenge the dominance of legacy media in White House coverage. The designated seat, located on the right side of the press briefing room, remains unoccupied by traditional media representatives, who usually sit along the sides.
In recent briefings, new voices—often introduced by Leavitt—have taken the spotlight, a departure from the customary practice where the first question typically goes to the Associated Press.
Individuals such as Axios’ Mike Allen and 2way’s Mark Halperin are seasoned insiders from older media, while others like Jordan Berman, who hosts a podcast, have never had a chance in the briefing room before this shift.
“The façade of legacy media’s inclusiveness crumbled, allowing fresh perspectives to step in,” stated one observer, adding that the public has turned to alternative ways to consume news.
This “new media” seat has come under fire, particularly from legacy media outlets. Critics argue that some of these new voices tend to ask less challenging questions and often lean towards praising Leavitt and the President. However, insiders believe that negative reactions from traditional media hint at their reluctance to cede control of the narrative.
John Ashbrook, co-host of a popular podcast, took his turn in January and probed Leavitt about how legacy media has addressed the border crisis. He embraced his role as an outsider, despite receiving what some described as dubious reactions from established journalists.
Ashbrook’s questions not only encouraged dialogue on media criticism but also touched upon varied concerns like transgender athletes, artificial intelligence, and foreign policy.
Tim Pool, another prominent figure in the “new media” space, faced immediate backlash after securing his seat. Critics pointed out his connections to a Tennessee media firm embroiled in allegations and raised eyebrows over his iconic beanie cap.
Pool acknowledged the skepticism from legacy reporters, noting a lack of diversity in the questions typically asked. He highlighted a perception that traditional outlets had a repetitive approach, devoid of genuine curiosity.
During the Biden presidency, Pool contended that mainstream outlets often skewed facts to align with political ideologies. He expressed enthusiasm about Leavitt’s strategy to disrupt what he deemed “hostile questioning” prevalent in prior administrations.
“Fostering competition in journalism is essential so we don’t just hear one narrative from all reporters,” Pool emphasized, suggesting the emergence of new voices may offer needed diversity in perspectives.
The “New Media” seat includes representatives from various outlets like Bullwalk, Breitbart, and others. Meanwhile, traditional organizations such as AP and CNN maintain their presence in the briefing room, where smaller outlets often stand at the edges.
Leavitt, discussing her approach on “Hannity,” remarked that Trump fundamentally altered how media is consumed in America, championing non-traditional routes like social media and influencer engagement.
Former Obama Press Secretary Jay Carney acknowledged these changes, noting their significance in evolving the media landscape and underscoring the value of inviting new voices into the conversation.
