<P> During the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt , former journalist Stephen Early became the first White House secretary charged only with press responsibilities . The manner in which Early approached his portfolio and increasingly high - profile nature of the job have led many to state that Early is the first true White House Press Secretary , both in function and in formal title . Prior to joining the Roosevelt campaign and administration Early had served as an editor to the military paper Stars and Stripes and also as a reporter for the Associated Press . When Roosevelt was nominated on James Cox 's ticket as the vice presidential nominee in 1920 , he asked Early to serve as an advance representative . As an advance representative , Early traveled ahead of the campaign , arranged for logistics and attempted to promote positive coverage for the candidates . </P>
who created the formal position of white house press secretary in part because of his media savvy
Franklin D. Roosevelt