White House reaches out to local reporters

The White House has begun making special efforts to reach out to local reporters and reporters with more specific beats, The Washington Post reported Friday.

The strategy harkens back to President Biden’s practice, during his campaign, of giving interviews to local TV stations and reporters, the Post stated.

“Local and coalitions media have always been at the heart of the White House’s communications strategy,” White House press secretary Jenn Psaki told the Post. 

“Now the press team is taking the next step to make sure we’re speaking to every corner and constituency in America,” she added.

The White House did not immediately comment to The Hill about the new initiatives.

Regional outlets have been receiving monthly briefings, and the White House is adding an extra virtual seat to the press briefing room. 

COVID-19 restrictions have meant only 14 journalists can be in the White House briefing room at a time. Starting Friday, however, a regional or specialty reporter will attend virtually and be able to Psaki questions. An Alaska-based reporter was already invited to a recent briefing, the Post reported. 

In addition, the White House said it will be inviting reporters who work for media outlets serving underrepresented audiences such as Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Black, religious and LGBTQ people.

In addition, Psaki will start meeting quarterly with the foreign press.