NYT reporter’s stand draws journalists’ anger, scepticism

However, standing by Miller. Times Executive Editor Bill Keller said in a statement that Miller’s “steadfastness in defence of principle has won her admiration… wherever people value a free, aggressive press”.

Lucie Morillon, Washington representative for Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, said the agreement disappointed her. “The problem is the prosecutor put so much pressure on her that she was forced to reveal her source,” Morillon said. She does not see Libby’s waiver as voluntary and calls the deal a “setback” for journalism. “The federal courts are getting bolder and bolder in forcing reporters to testify. With this case, it’s going to get worse.” LAT-WP

Bush aides’ buying news ruled illegal

WASHINGTON: Federal auditors said on Friday the Bush administration violated the law by buying favorable news coverage of its education policies. In a blistering report, the Government Accountability Office said the administration had disseminated “covert propaganda”, in violation of a ban, under which no federal money may be used to produce or distribute a news story unless the government’s role is openly acknowledged. NYT