Press Releases

01/21/2009

Obama-Oval Office Photo, Advisory

EDITORS:

The White House on Wednesday released the first photographs of President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, taken by the president's official photographer.

The Associated Press' long-standing policy does not allow accepting government handouts of images such as these from situations to which the AP believes it should have independent access.

The AP does make exceptions for images shot in White House locations not generally open to media coverage, such as the Situation Room and the private residence. The Oval Office, however, is the public office of the president and the AP believes it should be open for media coverage.

The AP is asking the White House for a "still only" session where the media could photograph the president.

Any updates on this matter will be expedited.

The AP

Contact:

Paul Colford

Director of Media Relations

The Associated Press

212. 621.1720