2026 White House Correspondents’ Reception

On April 23, 2026, Meridian International Center convened its 6th annual White House Correspondents’ Reception in partnership with YouTube and C-SPAN, bringing together leaders across media, government, and the private sector to mark the start of White House Correspondents’ Weekend and reflect on the evolving role of journalism and storytelling. 

Part of Meridian’s Diplomacy at 250 series, the evening positioned media not only as a lens on global events, but as a force shaping how the United States is understood at a pivotal moment in history. Held at the historic Meridian House, ambassadors, journalists, content creators, and policy leaders gathered for an evening of conversation, connection, and cross-sector engagement. 

The evening featured remarks from The Honorable David Bohigian, CEO of Meridian International Center; The Honorable Fred P. Hochberg, Chair of Meridian International Center’s Board of Trustees; Sam Feist, CEO of C-SPAN; Leslie Miller, Vice President of Public Policy at YouTube and Google; and Lyor Cohen, CEO of YouTube. Together, their perspectives reflected the convergence of traditional journalism and digital platforms in shaping today’s information landscape. 

Speakers emphasized the importance of access, trust, and openness in both diplomacy and media. Bohigian underscored Meridian’s role in creating space for dialogue that extends beyond government, while Hochberg reflected on the enduring importance of a free press in democratic societies. Feist and Miller highlighted the growing role of platforms like YouTube in expanding access to civic information and bringing audiences closer to institutions and decision-makers. Cohen pointed to the cultural and technological shifts transforming how information is created, distributed, and consumed globally. 

As guests moved between the red carpet, Meridian House, and Linden Grove, the evening reflected Meridian’s broader approach to convening: bringing together voices from across sectors to engage in meaningful exchange. Rooted in Meridian’s Open Diplomacy framework, the gathering highlighted how influence today extends beyond traditional government channels to include media leaders, creators, and private sector voices. At a moment when media, technology, and diplomacy intersect, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping how information is shared—and how societies understand one another. 

Project summary

2026 White House Correspondents’ Reception | April 2026