> Absolutely. So, the DNC has been working to build this great influencer network **with allies** — an **amplification network**. We’ve been doing that work, too … We fully acknowledge that it’s not enough to just think about owned content, but you have to think about how you distribute it and who it’s being distributed to. — Rob Flaherty, Biden’s deputy campaign manager. [September 2023](https://archive.ph/2023.09.28-015242/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/27/the-biden-campaign-now-wants-to-go-viral-00118344) --- > "We actually asked the White House, 'When are we going to get **press briefing passes**?' " said Sisson, who has 660,000 followers on TikTok. They were actually were very responsive to it," he said of administration officials' reaction to the suggestion by some of the two dozen influencers who attended a State of Union watch party the White House. Also, > A dedicated White House briefing space for influencers to meet in person or by remote would be unprecedented - and a **sign that the traditional Press Briefing Room no longer would be the administration's only messaging center**. [April 2023](https://www.axios.com/2023/04/09/bidens-digital-strategy-an-army-of-influencers) --- Each of these TikTokkers’ meetings was coordinated by White House deputy **director of partnerships**, Morgan MacNaughton, who herself has a background with the company. She was hired away last year from Palette, a social media talent management company that specializes in TikTok personalities. [April 2024](https://theintercept.com/2024/04/23/tiktok-ban-influencers-biden-campaign/) ## SPJ Code of Ethics Act Independently https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp > Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and avoid political and other outside activities that may compromise integrity or impartiality, or may damage credibility. > Deny favored treatment to advertisers, donors or any other special interests, and resist internal and external pressure to influence coverage. > Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two. Prominently label sponsored content. Be Accountable and Transparent > Explain ethical choices and processes to audiences. Encourage a civil dialogue with the public about journalistic practices, coverage and news content.