PLEASE DON'T RECOMMEND: Another diary already on Rec list on this subject. Thanks!
EPIC FAIL IN THE MAKING!!!
The press is going to boycott the field trip to visit UN friendlies
Journalists, displeased with Sarah Palin’s efforts to restrict their access to her, are threatening not to cover her events surrounding the United Nations conference here unless they're allowed more access.
The sprays are basically glorified photo opportunities during which journalists can snap photos and film footage and – if they’re lucky – shout a question or two at Palin and her company before she adjourns for private meetings. On Tuesday, those meetings were to include Afghan President Karzai and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
But the imbroglio began developing Tuesday morning when Palin’s handlers informed the small print press contingent covering her campaign that the print reporter designated to cover the events, Elizabeth Holmes of the Wall Street Journal, would not be allowed to cover the sprays.
Now CNN has pulled the only real potential camera coverage cutting the oxygen off from this photo op. It would seem the press is ready to play hardball with Ms. Palin and McCain... they want access and won't be used, at least one hopes.
CNN, which was providing the television coverage for news organizations, decided to pull its TV crew, effectively denying Palin the high visibility she had sought.
It looks like this Field Trip will now be an EPIC FAIL as the media is in full revolt!!!
UPDATE: Apparently they've allowed in the cameras again, and only now the actual journalists will be left outside. It seems to be a recovery, though you can bet tonight's coverage of the days events will center on two things:
1- Palin meets with World Leaders
2- Press barred from doing anything but take photos
Not exactly the story they'd wanted. And the oxygen this could get on a day like today is very limited anyhow... What pictures will get out will have a weak to bad editorial angle with it, and if anything, only insults the intelligence of voters as the librarian is on a field trip at the UN. The story becomes that this is her FIRST meetign with world leaders, not exactly reassuring if you ask me.