New White House Spokesman Jay Carney was all business as he gave his first press briefing, Wednesday.

Carney, a former reporter, replaces Robert Gibbs as White House press secretary. On his first day, he promised to build a strong relationship with the press, but to also work on behalf of the president's agenda.

"The office that the press secretary is somewhat symbolically located about halfway between the briefing room and the Oval Office, and I think that says something about what the nature of the job is," Carney said. "I do work for the president, but I'm also here to help the press."

Carney, 45, was Vice President Joe Biden's spokesman before moving to the West Wing.

His appointment came after a dramatic shift in White House leadership late last year, including the departure of Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, senior adviser David Axelrod, and Gibbs.