RSSIts Official – First Credentialed White House Blogger
It was only a matter of time. According to Michelle Malkin, the first blogger has been given White House credentials. According to the Raw Story, Washington media blog FishBowlDC will attend Monday’s White House press corps.
What must the MSM be thinking at this point? The Blogosphere just hit a major milestone along the path of acceptable journalism. Oh to be a fly on the wall in MSM newsrooms across America tomorrow. This is a day that we have all been waiting for.
Update from Secure Liberty.
Update: Although FishbowlDC may lean left this is a foot in the door. Small steps first folks.
Update: The NY Times has decided to get in on the story via Michelle Malkin (excerpt):
Increasingly, bloggers are penetrating the preserves of the mainstream news media. They have secured seats on campaign planes, at political conventions and in presidential debates, and have become a driving force in news events themselves.
Mr. Graff said he was inspired to try to seek access to the White House by the controversy over James D. Guckert, who used the alias Jeff Gannon. Mr. Guckert was granted daily passes to White House briefings while writing for a Web site run by a Republican operative in Texas. The episode raised questions about who was a legitimate journalist and how access to the White House was granted.White House press officials and others said it was relatively easy to get a day pass, prompting Mr. Graff to test that premise. He set about trying to get one and chronicled his attempt on his blog.
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4 Responses to “Its Official – First Credentialed White House Blogger”
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Good catch Red
This may be in response to the FEC’s non decision about bloggers last week. The White House is trying to send the message that bloggers are in the game.
This should not be a significant milestone. Anyone, repeat anyone, can be a journalist. There are no tests. There is no enforceable code of conduct. Some MSM journalists call themselves professionals, but by definition they are not.
In addition, everyone has the right to free speech and to the free press. Once someone begins to cover news and information about our government, they are covered by the 1st Amendment free press rights. At least until someone in the Federal Judiciary decides to impose their views instead of the law.
If you blog about the government, and are close enough to the White House, I would encourage all to apply for a press pass.
Brian,
You are correct. However, this is the “foot in the door” theory. Old MSM habits are hard to break. Although, the flap going on with blogs not being journalists goes on and although Fishbowl appears to be left leaning it does not matter.
If the WH gives a blog a press credential then I think they can be considered Journalists. There are other considerations as well, but this is an important step. Next stop Scared Monkey’s and many others will be asking for a one day Press Credential. I hope that incident in the 3rd grade with the bizarre home made clay incident will not come back to haunt me on credentialing.