Reuters, AP, Bloomberg warn against limiting White House media access

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Reuters, The Associated Press and Bloomberg News issued a statement Wednesday that warned that limiting the number of wire services with access to the White House threatens the principle of an “independent, free press.”

“It is essential in a democracy for the public to have access to news about their government from an independent, free press,” it said. “We believe that any steps by the government to limit the number of wire services with access to the President threatens that principle.”

The statement emphasized the critical role wire services play in providing "accurate, fair, and timely" information to global audiences, including local news outlets, businesses and financial markets.

The warning follows the White House’s announcement Tuesday that it would control the rotation of journalists covering presidential events, a role traditionally managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA).

WHCA President Eugene Daniels criticized the move, stating it “tears at the independence of a free press” and allows the government to choose its own media corps.