News outlets that accompany the president spent 35% less on travel in 2009 than in 2008, according to a White House travel office memo sent to reporters Thursday, which claims the decrease came about during an increase in the number of journalists traveling with the president.

“2009 resulted in a 35% reduction in annual press travel expenditures (from $17.8m in 2008 to $11.6m in 2009), including a 21% reduction in ground costs and a 48% reduction in telecommunications fees, despite a 42% increase in journalists traveling with the Obama Administration. Air Expenses eased in 2009 partially as a result of significantly lower costs of oil and a greater supply of aircraft availability,” the memo from Travel Office Director Peter Newell stated.

“Ground Expenses include buses, workspace, power, and catering. Telecommunications fees refer to wireless internet in work areas, press pool holds, and event sites. A spirit of negotiation, frugality, and common sense helped identify significant cost reductions.”

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