I view press briefings (in almost all contexts) as a platform for the speaker to get their message out. That the press gets to ask questions just helps advise t

I view press briefings (in almost all contexts) as a platform for the speaker to get their message out. That the press gets to ask questions just helps advise the speaker on where there is uncertainty/ambiguity in their statements. Under a "normal" administration, they are a pretty good way to get the official story, but journalism still requires investigation.