WASHINGTON—The White House press briefing room is a political journalist’s mecca. It’s the epicenter of the White House press corps. Every major news outlet has a stake in the West Wing. Reporters from television networks, newspapers, wire services and websites with national and niche audiences are all stationed there, ready for the next breaking news out of the Obama administration. So when a budding journalist like myself went to report at the White House for the first time, I asked some of the seasoned veterans for some tips.
Past the tight security, down the tranquil north driveway, through a cloud of smoke from people on a smoke break, stand the double doors of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. Through its doors, a bustling buzz of reporters, photographers and White House staff go about their usual routines.
But being a newbie in the room can be quite intimidating. When ABC News Radio White House Correspondent Ann Compton started covering the presidency more than 35 years ago, she said it was quite the adjustment.
“It was hard to get used to working here. I was surrounded by big names like Bob Schieffer and Tom Brokaw- so I had to work twice as hard to understand the issues,” Compton said. “I found myself studying modern European history and macroeconomics just to keep up.”
Compton said one of the perks of being a reporter is that you’re always learning something new, but when covering the White House you’re reporting news that could have a direct affect on the American people.
Chip Reid has covered politics for more than 20 years, and has been CBS News’ Chief White House Correspondent since January 2009. He said it’s important to talk to as many people as possible to learn the ins and outs of the executive mansion. “Spend time talking to correspondents who did it before and past White House workers – they’ll tell you more than the current staff – basically because they aren’t the competition and because they don’t have someone saying they can’t.”
Reid also suggested reading books by past correspondents. “There’s a wealth of information out there.”
American Urban Radio Network White House Correspondent April Ryan, who has worked in that capacity since 1997, said it’s important to get acclimated as quickly as you can. “Get close with your sources- in the White House and outside of it- because you never know what they can do to help you out.”
Compton said being a White House correspondent is not a first career stop for anybody. She said most correspondents have years of reporting experience before getting the coveted position. “People that work here are generally smart, observant, politically engaged, and know what’s important,” said Compton. “But the best tool to have is common sense.”
Compton said the job is intense but very rewarding.
She pointed out the windows on the west side of the second floor of the White House, the First Family’s residence. “The window just to the right of the half-circle window is the president’s bathroom,” Compton said. “That way when I come in in the morning, I can tell where he’s at.”
That geographical knowledge is just one of the many bits of information Compton has acquired since she started working there in 1974, just months after Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller has covered every president since Gerald Ford. He said a White House journalist has to report the news without spin. “You know what you’re getting when you look to the White House website for information – you’re getting their positive spin – that’s why people read the news,” Knoller said. “It’s our job to make sure our audience gets the news from good journalists, asking good questions, not a public relations spin.”
Ryan was told by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, during the daily briefing, that she was “getting better” at asking the tough questions.
April Ryan: Robert, questions on two different topics. One, how many candidates or potentials has the President vetted so far?
Robert Gibbs: Several.
Ryan: I want a specific, quantified number, please.
Gibbs: More than a couple.
Ryan: That means more than two?
Gibbs: Well, “several” generally does, but I’m not going to — look, you’re getting better at the ability to pry information I’m not going to give.
Ryan: That’s my job.
Above all, Compton said, a White House reporter needs to be ready for anything. “There is no typical day working here.”
Video: White House press briefing, April 21, 2010
John Lund, who is set to graduate from Medill in June, reports on youth and politics. He wrote this opinion piece for Washington Reporting 2.0., an occasional column about the experience of reporting.