Editorial: Attack on press is assault on public
Publisher’s note: This editorial is from the Feb. 25, 2017, Sacramento Bee.
President Donald Trump ramped up his war on the media Friday, as his press secretary barred selected reporters from a question-and-answer session in the White House.
The press is right to be outraged. The public should be, too.
Reporters who cover the White House – a public building – are the eyes and ears of the public, and ask questions on issues that Americans care about. Sure, much important reporting on the new presidency is happening in communities across the country. But access to Trump’s official spokespeople is important. That access cannot be based on whether the Republican president believes the coverage is positive.