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September 26, 2008

Clinton Global Initiative
Clinton and the News Media

Perhaps more than any other event on philanthropy, the Clinton Global Initiative attracts a huge number of journalists from around the world.

This year, more than 1,000 reporters attended, according to a spokesman for the conference.

But given such an influx of scribes and broadcasters, the Clinton team places restrictions on them. Starting with last year’s meeting, reporters are not allowed to mingle with participants unless escorted by a Clinton staff member, event volunteers stand guard to prevent reporters from breaching restricted areas, and cocktail parties that were open to the press two years ago are now closed.

To be sure, the Clinton Global Initiative has always kept a tight rein on reporters. Since its start in 2005, journalists have been barred from sessions on specific topics — the so-called breakouts.

These sessions are broadcast live on televisions to the press room, but the broadcast goes dead when participants are asked to brainstorm about ways to fix global problems. Clinton officials say that if the press were in the rooms, attendees would be less candid about what they think are the solutions to social ills.

— Ian Wilhelm

Friday September 26, 2008 | Permalink

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