ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

'Some of these reporters are more interested in their YouTube clips': Sean Spicer responds to criticism over off-camera press briefings

White House press secretary Sean Spicer dismissed criticism of the increasing lack of on-camera press briefings.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer in an interview on Fox News.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Sunday dismissed criticism of the Trump administration's increasing lack of on-camera press briefings.

Asked about CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta's criticism of the reduced number of daily televised press briefings, Spicer told Fox News that the White House was holding hand-recorded or audio-only briefings because some reporters weren't seeking information during briefings.

"I think some of these reporters are more interested in their YouTube clips than than they are in getting factual news," Spicer said. "Look at the number of questions that get asked over and over again just so a reporter can get a clip of themselves saying something or yelling at someone."

Spicer argued that while cameras are "fine," the White House felt that briefings could be more policy-focused if they were held off-camera, allowing reporters to take written notes or record audio only.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The briefing is one small part of what this extensive staff does to engage the media," Spicer said.

Many media pundits and White House reporters themselves slammed the White House communications department for avoiding the daily televised press briefings, which yielded illuminating and occasionally embarrassing information about President Donald Trump and his administration.

"We believe strongly that Americans should be able to watch and listen to senior government officials face questions from an independent news media," Jeff Mason, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, wrote in a memo on Friday. "We are not satisfied with the current state of play, and we will work hard to change it."

Fox News' Howard Kurtz singled out Acosta, who he said had "gone on a campaign" supporting televised briefings.

The lack of televised press briefings represents a complete reversal of the White House's previous attitude toward briefings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier this year, Trump initially favored keeping the televised briefings, noting how highly rated Spicer's midday appearances were.

But in recent weeks, he has suggested he may do away with them altogether.

"Just don't have them," Trump told Fox News in May. "Unless I have them every two weeks and I do them myself, we don't have them. I think it's a good idea."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT