The White House is reportedly rethinking its traditional press briefing room seating arrangement—a move that could sideline legacy outlets like CNN, The New York Times, and NBC from their long-held front-row spots.

According to senior officials, the goal is to reflect modern media consumption trends, particularly the rise of digital-first platforms, podcasts, and independent content creators.

A senior White House official told Axios that the proposed changes aim to “modernize” access and representation in the room. “Favorable coverage isn’t the only objective,” the official said. “It’s about adjusting to how people consume media today.”

The plan, still under review, would represent a major shift in how press briefings are structured and which voices get priority access.

While traditional outlets have historically enjoyed top placement due to their national reach and journalistic legacy, the new approach may elevate influencers and nontraditional news sources with large online followings.

Supporters argue this reflects the decentralization of news and a broader definition of journalism in the digital era.

Critics, however, warn that diminishing the presence of seasoned newsrooms could reduce accountability and allow less-vetted sources to shape public narratives.

No final decision has been made yet, but a change could signal a new media era—one that favors reach over reputation.