Presidents and their relationship with the news media

“No president should fear public scrutiny of his program. For from that scrutiny comes understanding; and from that understanding comes support or opposition. And both are necessary.” — President John F. Kennedy

The news media is seen as “the fourth estate,” or a fourth “branch” that offers checks and balances on government. A president’s relationship with the press is typically filled with tension, but the amount varies from administration to administration.

Presidential administrations rely on the press to help communicate their policy priorities and successes to the public. At the same time, the independent press must act as a stand-in for the public and evaluate the president’s actions with a critical eye.

As new technologies have developed over time, presidents have used these technologies to communicate with the public both through news outlets and independently. White House-based public relations efforts offer administrations more control over their messaging without the filter of the press.

In recent years, presidential administrations have started catering to non-traditional news media outlets, such as social media influencers and content creators. Influencers may help push administration priorities or encourage followers to vote. Political speech from influencers is largely unregulated, unlike that which airs on TV or broadcast channels. 

At times, presidents have tried to attack or erode trust in the news media. Some have also attempted to stonewall the press by refusing to have press conferences, depriving reporters of opportunities to question the administration. 

Presidents commonly complain that the news media publishes sensitive national security information. Independent journalists must try to balance the public interest, transparency, and truth with national security. 

A hampered news media can impede democratic systems, leaving the president less accountable to constituents. While constructive criticism of the press can be justified, too much can leave the public unsure of which information they can trust.

Be an informed consumer. Understand the relationship between the president and the press.

Sources:

NPR: “Commander-in-Tweet: Trump’s social media use and presidential media avoidance,” https://shorturl.at/cKXYZ 

Semafour: “Democrats built an influencer economy. Can it save Joe Biden?” https://bit.ly/49diDaJ

The New York Times: “Analyzing the relationship between the press and the president: A lesson plan,” https://bit.ly/3vRt0To 

The White House Historical Association: “Presidential Press Conferences,” https://shorturl.at/IMVX3