US cuts funds for foreign press centers [View All]

[Justice]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/07/26/us_cuts_funds_for_foreign_press_centers/

For the first time in at least 20 years, the Foreign Press Center, an arm of the State Department that supports the international press in the United States, isn't funding or supporting press centers at the national political conventions. As many as 400 international reporters are expected to cover the two events this year.

When contacted about the matter, State Department officials said funds for the centers, which cost between $15,000 and $25,000 per convention, were cut for budget reasons. Some officials on Capitol Hill suggested that the move is an expression of the Bush administration's dissatisfaction with the tone of international reporting on the conflict in Iraq, as well as other coverage of the administration. The State Department officials denied that this was the reason.

Gallegos said the congressional news media galleries have been seeking alternative funds for the centers. Some minimal funding was arranged late last week for a center at the GOP event in New York, but the galleries couldn't find money for the Democratic National Convention.

Aida said the Democrats are providing some room for the international press. ''We have some small desks in the press stand inside the FleetCenter and phones, and can work from there."
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