Work With the Media

Jennifer Loven covers the White House for the Associated Press and is the current president of the White House Correspondents' Association. Here is her advice for President-Elect Obama.

From Reader's Digest

Read more memos to President-Elect Barack Obama.

Resist the urge to keep the media in the dark. It’s in the job description—and natures—of White House reporters to be intensely interested in your policies. Harness that by filling them in on not only what you’re doing, but how you got there and why. Don't be afraid to go deep into the weeds. Remember: Reporters can always get details elsewhere. Get yours out first and you might get more of what you want. If you don't, you risk letting everyone but you tell your story. More important, see it as a central way to keep Americans caring about what happens in your Oval Office. Our country needs that.