It was a remarkable comment that passed without notice. After interviewing the new White House chief of staff, a network anchor bade him farewell. But it was far from conspicuous. Warm collaboration is routine.
Many reporters work closely with each new crew of top government officials.
Leading journalists and spinners in high places are accustomed to mutual reliance. That's good for professional advancement. But the public's right to know is another matter. Since then, the problem has grown even more acute. Behind the scenes, the tacitly understood tradeoffs amount to quid pro quos.