French President Emmanuel Macron's office is closing the press room inside the presidential palace amid broader efforts by the French leader to control his public image.

Advisers for Macron announced Wednesday that journalists will be moved to a new site out of the presidential Elysee Palace with less access to presidential activity.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux insisted the move was for "operational" reasons and not an effort to keep journalists at arms' length.

One adviser, however, said the move aims to end "privileges" for journalists, who've had a press room in the Elysee for more than 40 years under presidents across the political spectrum. The adviser was not authorized to be publicly named.

Macron's office has increasingly used Facebook and YouTube to spread his message instead of publicly answering media questions.