May 29, 2015 

Josh Earnest
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
 
Dear Mr. Earnest,
 
We are requesting a meeting with you in advance of our renewed actions this summer on restrictions that infringe on journalists’ ability to report on the federal government.
 
Last year 38 journalism and open government groups wrote to President Obama about information-flow constraints, including the prohibitions against staff members speaking to the press without the surveillance by public information officers (http://www.spj.org/news.asp?ref=1253).
 
You provided an email that affirmed the President’s commitment to transparency, but we did not have the opportunity to engage in a constructive conversation between the press and White House. We would like to invite you such as conversation in June, perhaps as a prelude to the 49th anniversary of the Freedom of Information Act, on July 4.
 
Research indicates that information control is getting worse in the nation. On the federal level, the practices have only gradually become very visible over three presidential administrations. Some background resources are below.
 
SPJ leaders will be in Washington, D.C., June 25-26, and be happy to meet. Or, we could meet at another time that fits your schedule. We welcome a public conversation, as well, perhaps at the National Press Club, or hosted by an independent party, such as the Office of Government Information Services. Please let us know by June 12, either way, so we can make arrangements.
 
We feel this would be a positive movement forward and allow the President to finish his tenure affirming the promises he made at the beginning of his first term.
 
Thank you for your consideration.
 
Dana Neuts
President, Society of Professional Journalists
David Cuillier, 
SPJ Freedom of Information, Chair