For visual journalists, physical proximity is indispensable

The National Press Photographers Association condemns the retaliation by the Trump administration against independent reporting by CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO.

In the wake of the White House’s decision barring journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO and the confiscation of their credentials, the National Press Photographers Association condemns this retaliation against independent reporting. NPPA stands with the journalists and news organizations targeted by the ban.

NPPA said: ‘The First Amendment’s protection of a free press does not depend on whether the President likes a journalist’s questions, images, or reporting. The government cannot use access to the White House as a reward for favourable coverage or withdraw it as punishment for critical coverage. Those constitutional protections belong to photographers and video journalists as well as to reporters.

The association added: ‘For visual journalists, physical proximity is indispensable. They must be present to photograph and record events as they unfold, including unscripted moments that cannot be recreated afterward. Their images become part of the visual history of the presidency and let the public see government at work. The ban could also affect audiences beyond the targeted outlets: CNN participates in the television pool that shares footage of the President with other news organisations when only one camera crew can attend.’

The NPPA, with which the News Media Coalition has cooperated over many years, called upon on the White House to ‘immediately restore these journalists’ credentials and their access. No administration should decide who may document the presidency based on whether it approves of the resulting coverage’.