My usual response to attacks on the press is that you would rather have an overly aggressive press than a limp, bamboozled one. But the reporting on the NSA eavesdropping that has prompted investigations may have crossed the line or so say critics:

But the Bush administration is exploring a more radical measure to protect information it says is vital to national security: the criminal prosecution of reporters under the espionage laws.

Later:
Andrew C. McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor who took part in terrorism investigations in New York after the Sept. 11 attacks, said that both The Times, for its disclosures about the eavesdropping program, and The Post, for an article about secret C.I.A. prisons, had violated the 1917 law. The Times, he added, has also violated the 1950 law.

"It was irresponsible to publish these things," Mr. McCarthy said. "I wouldn't hesitate to prosecute."

Gary Condit revisited

A few years ago when Chandra Levy was found dead in Washington D.C, Congressman Gary Condit had to deal with a firestorm as allegations of an affair and possible implications in her murder were tossed about. The controversy eventually forced him from office, though no real evidence came out tying him to the crime. So can someone explain why a reporter flies to Arizona to knock on his door? What possible news value could there be unless there is new evidence or attempts to have him once again talk to the media prove fruitful?

Protect your sources by being neuralized.

In the category of keeping your sources safe, most will never be involved a federal investigation such as Judith Miller, Matt Cooper, et al., but a humorous ( I think) column by Jack Schafer in Slate last week should be handed out to every new reporter.

Medianews not able to give the news

Interesting, it looks like all Medianews Web sites, including the LA Daily News are down.

Those damn beaches again

er..talking about those beaches

First Day

Living in Socal for the last two years hasn't been as difficult as I imagined it would. The journalism isn't as ferocious as NYC, but there are a lot of people who do read books. (A gem held by northerners). This blog will deal mostly with journalism and how papers cover or don't cover LA and national issues, so obviously my first post will mention my walk in Santa Monica. Strolling near the ocean, I saw whatlooked liked dolphins splashing about. Knowing what I know about the quality of water there, I wouldn't step in it, I wonder what it does to these guys (girls)?