Source Reporting

(Fox News) - Today's New York Times features an article on the immunity offered to Blackwater USA personnel regarding that shootout in Iraq last month. It bases its story on information from what it calls "government officials" who, "agreed to talk about the arrangement only on the condition of anonymity." The use of anonymous sources is common in the Times and other news media.

Also Monday — the White House held an off-the-record briefing for reporters — with President Bush talking about various things on the condition that his words not be quoted or paraphrased.

All the TV networks were there, along with radio and the wires, and the major newspapers. Except for The New York Times. The Times refused to attend — because it says it does not agree with the concept of off-the-record briefings.