The Press at the White House: 1980-1992

Ronald Reagan preferred to present himself and his policies in venues other than a formal presidential press conference. He held about six conferences a year and usually staged them in the East Room at night. George H. W. Bush made frequent use of press conferences in the Press Briefing Room during his first three years in office, holding on average about three per month. He also instituted the practice of holding joint sessions with visiting heads of state.