Those Bits Were On The Record

I'm thinking specifically of how instead of simply reporting on their regularly skewed interactions with Dianne Feinstein, it was necessary for reporters to do deeply sourced pieces, getting anonymous quotes from staffers.  They did those stories, but there probably was an easier way, as in, "in response to my question, the senator responded with [nonsense]." 

It's quite obvious they are hiding the things they regularly see.  

Going back, Strom Thurmond and Jesse Helms were basically zombies with pickled brains at the end of their careers, and we all know how reporters covered for Reagan.

Not sure what journalistic NORMS are served by not reporting on things that are right in front of them.  Who are the other ones?