The New York Analysis of Policy & Government has frequently written of its deep concern over the growing attacks on freedom of speech and the recurring assaults on the press by the Obama Administration. The attempt to place Federal monitors in newsrooms, the surrender of internet control to an international body with members favoring censorship, the “bugging” of reporters phones, the proposal to limit First Amendment rights in campaigns and other actions add to a significant chilling effect on this most basic and fundamental of American individual liberties.
The latest White House moves to prevent photos and interviews at sites where the huge influx of illegal aliens are being held is the most recent example.
After five-plus years of being tolerant of this deeply worrisome behavior, journalists have finally become sufficiently offended at this unacceptable behavior—this “fundamental change” in the relationship between the press and the White House—that they are publicly reacting.
The Washington Examiner recently reported that eight journalism groups have sharply criticized Mr. Obama’s “politically driven suppression of the news.”
An example is a letter just submitted to the President by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) which stated:
Mr. President,
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You recently expressed concern that frustration in the country is breeding cynicism about democratic government. You need look no further than your own administration for a major source of that frustration – politically driven suppression of news and information about federal agencies. We call on you to take a stand to stop the spin and let the sunshine in…
Recent research has indicated the problem is getting worse throughout the nation, particularly at the federal level. Journalists are reporting that most federal agencies prohibit their employees from communicating with the press unless the bosses have public relations staffers sitting in on the conversations. Contact is often blocked completely. When public affairs officers speak, even about routine public matters, they often do so confidentially in spite of having the title “spokesperson.” Reporters seeking interviews are expected to seek permission, often providing questions in advance. Delays can stretch for days, longer than most deadlines allow. Public affairs officers might send their own written responses of slick non-answers. Agencies hold on-background press conferences with unnamed officials, on a not-for-attribution basis.
In many cases, this is clearly being done to control what information journalists – and the audience they serve – have access to. A survey found 40 percent of public affairs officers admitted they blocked certain reporters because they did not like what they wrote.
It has not always been this way. In prior years, reporters walked the halls of agencies and called staff people at will. Only in the past two administrations have media access controls been tightened at most agencies. Under this administration, even non-defense agencies have asserted in writing their power to prohibit contact with journalists without surveillance. Meanwhile, agency personnel are free speak to others — lobbyists, special-interest representatives, people with money — without these controls and without public oversight…”
In its scope and extent, President Obama’s intentional interefence with the First Amendment is unprecedented and exceedingly dangerous. Americans need to halt this before it is too late to do so.