RantCrush Top 5: June 27, 2017

The White House now very rarely holds on-camera press briefings and a lot of people see that move as a way to limit press freedom and transparency. CNN’s Jim Acosta frequently quarrels with Press Secretary Sean Spicer. Yesterday, Acosta went off on him, saying: “You are a taxpayer-funded spokesman of the United States government; can you at least give us an explanation as to why the cameras are off?”

As per usual, Spicer didn’t answer. He just repeated, “There’s no cameras on, Jim.” In an audio clip, you can hear the back and forth as Acosta keeps asking the question and Spicer keeps addressing other reporters. At this point, we’re all wondering what would happen if the reporters just started filming the briefing themselves?

Another no camera White House press briefing tomorrow – again begging the question of what would happen if someone just turned on a camera

— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) June 26, 2017

If tv reporters at the WH care so damn much, could they please just hit the button next to the red light that says “ON”

— Asawin Suebsaeng (@swin24) June 26, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.