http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-971225.mp3
Macomb, IL – The panelists talk about the White House policy of "faking" photo ops for reporters.
Under the policy, the president broadcasts a major announcement without any distractions from photographers. Once the announcement is completed, the president reads the statement again, this time with the microphones off. Reporters are allowed to take photos at this point.
The Associated Press reports the policy has been in place for decades. For example, President Harry Truman reportedly would deliver speeches over radio and then repeat them for newsreel cameras.
The current administration decided to end the practice after complaints were raised in early May when President Obama broadcast news of the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden, then repeated a portion of the announcement for photographers.
The Shop Talk panelists are glad to see the practice end. They feel it's unnecessary, and they believe the sound of cameras clicking and flashbulbs popping adds an interesting element to major announcements, especially for the radio audience.