A Raw Story investigation reports serious irregularities in how congressional press credentials are issued by the Radio-Television Correspondents’ Association (RTCA), a powerful but little-known body that helps determine who can access media spaces in the U.S.Capitol.

Under Senate rules, credentials are intended for individuals whose primary work involves broadcast journalism and who earn most of their income from reporting, while also prohibiting government employees from qualifying.However, the investigation alleges that these standards have been inconsistently applied.

Among the most striking examples cited is the approval of credentials for James Meek, a former ABC News reporter who was later arrested and convicted on federal child pornography charges.Despite his legal downfall and departure from journalism, he reportedly remained listed as credentialed.

The report also highlights Christina Bobb, a former One America News (OAN) correspondent who became involved in Donald Trump’s legal and political operations, including election-related activism and work with the Republican National Committee, while still receiving press access.

Other cases include political operatives and media figures linked to organizations such as Turning Point USA and One America News, some of whom left journalism entirely for partisan or governmental roles but retained or received credentials.The investigation also references Fox News and other outlets allegedly credentialing individuals whose roles had shifted away from reporting.

The RTCA’s internal governance is described as opaque, with closed meetings, inconsistent membership rules, and conflicting public information about its size and structure.

Critics argue that this lack of transparency has allowed politically connected individuals and non-journalists to obtain privileged access to congressional spaces, raising concerns about the integrity of press access and the flow of information from government to the public.