Thursday, February 24, 2005

Background Briefers

I wouldn't claim that there's never a place for background briefings, but there's no place for most of them and shame on the journalists who let it happen. Froomkin says:

Having waited a long time for the press corps to overtly revolt against this vile tradition, allow me to suggest another possibilty: What if White House reporters just started anonymously outing the anonymous briefers to bloggers? Just an idea.


Well, of course it's an excellent idea. And, it's happened at least once. And, Jack Shafer's been beating this drum for awhile.

Generally, there should be no anonymous sources in cases where those sources are simply pushing the official administration line. Period.