Last month, the Serjeant at Arms politely informed me that I wouldn’t be joining Her Majesty’s Press Corp any time soon. Despite having thousands of readers, a more profitable business model than most newspapers, and a track record of breaking stories and shaping new cycles, the Lobby blocked my application.
As a lubricated MP put it a few days later, “You see it as a pass, they see it as a club. Why would they let you in? They're threatened.” But the security services had no problem with my joining. The Serjeant at Arms put it to the Press Gallery committee, who collectively said, "No." The reason given was that our editorial aims don't fit their nondescript 'criteria'.
Apparently, they feared I wouldn’t play by the rules, and that we didn't cover parliamentary procedure, yet I can't see how the Guido Fawkes’ mission to inform and entertain is different from that of any other columnist or sketchwriter.
Despite enjoying friendships and working relations with many members, we're still seen as cocky bloggers, not real journalists. But we’re in it for the same reasons – to report the truth. Many seasoned Lobby journalists and TV guys spend as much time blogging and tweeting as they do on traditional output. POLITCO.com has one of the best seats in the White House briefing room, but this side of the pond the idea that a blogger who wasn’t previously a print hack would be recognised in such a way instils terror in many hearts.
Three years ago, the protectionism excuse might have been valid. Lobby journalists were concerned that bloggers would blow their scoops and front pages. But today, given many news outlets publish stories online immediately, the playing field is level.
Deep down, they must know there's no justification for fighting the inevitable decline of their closed shop.
Harry Cole is news editor of www.order-order.com
Comments
Billy Blofeld / April 28 2011 10:42am
I don't read a newspaper anymore. I don't even watch TV news.
If you want to know what is happening NOW you have to read Twitter and blogs.
Traditional media is only good for in depth opinion pieces and after the event these days........... oh and churnalism.........
Tom P / April 28 2011 10:45am
Harry - the "system" has nothing against bloggers. It's you and Paul they have issues with.
Why are bloggers like Tim Montgomerie etc allowed lobby passes via ConHome, then?
Besides... when's the last time you lot broke a real big story? Chasing nurses with second jobs isn't a story mate. Go back to 2009 when the macbride-draper saga was unfolding those were the good old days
Harry Cole / April 28 2011 11:26am
Tim doesn't have a lobby pass Tom.
Jonathon does but he's a former print man.
that point was discussed.
and If you don't like the blog then don't read it. don't think we'll lose much sleep over the dent you'd make to the readership
scottspeig / April 28 2011 11:42am
I have a feeling that they may be right about whether you would play by the rules.
Given your reputation (and Guido's), I can see that you may upset the apple-cart.
Whether that is justification, I don't know (since I don't actually know you or Guido, or the lobby lot either) but that's where I think it is.
Having said that, you'd think they would welcome Tim wouldn't you??
Ah well, keep going Harry. They'll eventually give in - we hope! :)
Penfold / April 28 2011 12:27pm
Better outside the Augean Stable pissing inwards than being hampered and censured by the arcane and corrupt "Lobby rules".
Who really wants to join a "club", that has a track record of suppressing scandal as a matter of course.
Better out, than in, that particular diseased hole, Harry my boy. !
JohnR / April 29 2011 9:31am
Why do you need a press pass anyway? You can still make stuff up like you do at the moment!
Hally Core / April 29 2011 1:09pm
I think you are quite an unpleasant person Harry.
Bedd Gelert / May 02 2011 9:57pm
The point is Harry, if you want to be a 'journalist' you have to actually be able to write articles without egregious grammatical errors.
You seem to be unable to do this with any consistency whatsoever, and I enjoy 'spotting' the stories you have written on Guido Fawkes. Say what you like about Paul Staines he is actually able to string a sentence together without reference to 'new cycles'.