White House pool reporters test own news distribution system

White House journalists are creating an alternative system for distributing their media “pool” reports in response to the Obama Administration’s involvement in approving and disapproving certain content in official reports. A small group of reporters initiated an online forum in which they shared “pool” information among themselves, without White House involvement.

The forum was set up by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which negotiates with the White House’s press staff over access for journalists. Some journalists are sharing their White House reporting using Google Groups -- the digital service that allows registered users to receive and send information within a closed circle. In an early test of the supplemental system, journalists shared pool information about President Obama’s trip to Chicago. The system has been used for “advisories,” such as where the pool is assembling, when another pool report will be issued or whether a correction is in the works.