Seating Chart for the New…

The White House is planning a contentious renovation of its famous press briefing room that could fundamentally alter who gets to deliver news to the American people.

Senior officials say that the administration is reconsidering how people sit down for daily press briefings, which could cause long-standing media organizations like CNN, The New York Times, and NBC to lose their coveted front-row seats. The objective? reflecting how Americans’ news consumption habits have changed in the digital era.

A Reference to Influencers and Digital Media?

According to a senior White House official who spoke exclusively to Axios, the proposed changes are meant to “modernize” media access. The official gave as justification for reconsidering the room’s design the increasing impact of podcasts, digital platforms, and independent content producers.

“Favorable coverage isn’t the only objective,” the official stated. “It’s about adjusting to how people consume media today.”

Giving seats to nontraditional voices—think YouTubers, TikTok influencers, and well-known Substack writers—who have amassed sizable followings but have not traditionally had official access to White House press briefings is one possible adaptation.

The Press Corps’ rebuttal
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which has historically overseen the press room’s seating chart, was understandably alarmed by the announcement right away.

While modernization is vital, press independence and integrity must not be sacrificed, according to WHCA President Eugene Daniels.

“The president’s travels should not be chosen by the government,” Daniels said. “Online reach or popularity metrics shouldn’t determine press access.”

In the upcoming weeks, the WHCA is anticipated to meet with administration representatives to discuss whether or not the suggested changes will proceed.