Russia's state news service applies for White House pass

[babylonsister]

Oh, goody.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-media/2017/03/sputnik-news-white-house-press-pass-russia-236481

Russia's state news service applies for White House pass
By Hadas Gold
03/24/17 06:30 PM EDT


The Russian state-owned news website Sputnik has applied for a White House hard pass and is seeking membership in the White House Foreign Press Group in order to become a part of pool rotations.

Sputnik, which Foreign Policy magazine described as the "BuzzFeed of propaganda," would be part of a rotating group of roughly 22 overseas outlets following President Donald Trump in his everyday interactions along with pool reporters from American print, TV, and radio outlets.

Andrew Feinberg, Sputnik’s White House correspondent, has been in talks with the WHFPG head Philip Crowther, who told POLITICO that if Feinberg and Sputnik complete the boilerplate criteria for being a member of the press group, there "shouldn't be any reason" they wouldn't join the White House press pool.

Among the criteria to become a WHFPG member is a White House-approved hard pass, membership in the White House Correspondents’ Association, and State Department verification that the network is, indeed, based in another country. Other state-sponsored outlets are part of the rotating foreign pool, including Crowther’s France 24 and China’s CCTV.

Sputnik is one of Russia’s government-funded news outlets aimed at international audiences. Launched in 2014, Sputnik has a goal of providing “alternative interpretations that are, undoubtedly, in demand around the world,” its head Dimitry Kiselyov said at the launch.

The site, which was formed by combining former wire services RIA Novosti and the Voice of Russia, has been criticized for being an unvarnished mouthpiece for Russian President Vladimir Putin. A poll on its site on Friday asked "In your opinion, does the mainstream media offer unbiased coverage of Crimea's reunification with Russia?”

[fun n serious]

1. Bold move! nt

[Maru Kitteh]

2. Donald, Donald, don't I buy you nice things?

I get you big house which is white. I have favor to call for you please. Just little one. I must have my friend to have press clearance. He is been having so many terrible things lately, His sister and mother die last month all at the same time. So sad. it would make him feel good. You help now yes?

[babylonsister]

3. Ha! I imagine dt needs no coersion. nt

[Squinch]

4. Yup. This'll be approved quick.

[pinboy3niner]

5. Let their correspondents in. What could it hurt?

[BainsBane]

7. Seems redundant

given they already have their guy in the Oval Office.

[Jonny Appleseed]

6. I wonder who they send

American Journalist Wolf Blitzer?

[Vinca]

8. Are they applying for a pass or an office in the West Wing??