Several groups representing White House reporters, photographers and TV crews said they were "encouraged" today after a meeting at the White House to discuss press complaints about lack of access to President Obama.
Representatives of the White House Correspondents' Association, the American Society of News Editors, Associated Press Media Editors, White House News Photographers Association, National Press Photographers Association and representatives of the television network pool met with White House Press Secretary Jay Carney and members of his staff, along with White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler to discuss the ongoing issue of media access to the president.
The group said it stressed the need for "consistent, meaningful access to the president" for photographers and the full White House press corps.
In a statement, the group said it was "encouraged by Carney's recognition that independent press access to the president is essential to democracy, as well his willingness to address the group's concerns by agreeing to engage in an ongoing dialogue with media representatives, led by the WHCA."
Carney last week insisted the White House is "working and have been working on expanding access where we can," after reporters complained about lack of access during a daily press briefing.