CJR
Earlier this week, Greg Marx highlighted a New York Times story that described why Texas Gov. Rick Perry campaigned in person around the state: It netted him more favorable coverage. Marx writes in a followup (also based on a Times story) that Republican presidential contender Michele Bachmann’s press secretary is employing a similar strategy by singling out local reporters for questions, which tend to be less pointed.
“There’s no need to screen specific inquiries if you can reliably expect softballs from the people you allow to ask questions,” Marx writes, although he also notes that “the Times is in a way flattering itself and its national competitors by pointing out how Bachmann prefers the local press.”
He concludes that other candidates will likely follow Perry and Bachmann’s lead in trying to figure out how to get the best coverage. “If they want to remain relevant, it’s important that journalists at both the local and national levels pay attention to that effort—and start thinking about how to push back.” || Related: Bachmann’s campaign staff have been involved in five “hostile encounters” with reporters so far | Why reporter asked Bachmann if she would be submissive to her husband
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