Every political leader attempts to 'control' the press. 

 Some by intimidation, jailing, closing TV stations, etc.  Others by limiting access, firing or  prosecuting 'leakers', withholding information and so forth.  Others by 'leaking' information they want published but don't want their name associated with.  Others by 'classifying' as secret merely politically embarrassing information, the means are almost endless.  

The spectrum from Soviet Russia, China, to Venezuela, Cuba, Britain (The Official Secrets Act) France, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and both major political parties in the US at all governmental levels is full of 'leaders' who are constantly trying to 'control' the 'press' or at a minimum, the information the 'press' publishes.