press availability

English

Etymology

Shortening of "press availability session." Originally synonymous with press conference.

Noun

press availability (plural press availabilities)

1. (US, politics, journalism) An event at which a politician is made available for questioning by the media.
   • 1974 June 5, Carl B. Leubsdorf, quoting Ronald Reagan, “Reagan Puts Presidential Ambitions 'Between Lines'”, in The Lima News‎, page B12:

     I was told that there was a request for press availabilities.

   • 2007 November 3, Christina Bellantoni, “Hillary criticized for press strategy”, in Washington Times‎, archived from the original on 14 February 2008:

     Mrs. Clinton rarely holds press availabilities or takes questions from reporters who cover her campaign.

Synonyms

• press avail
• news availability