Making news by seeking it

Nukes & Spooks details the DoJ's scrambled reaction to the Boumediene et al v. Bush decision (that reversed attempts by the Bush administration and both houses of Congress to deny Enemy Combatants the right to judicial review in US Courts).

Justice Department media representatives set up a briefing with department lawyers, but insisted the question-and-answer session be off-the-record. They acknowledged it was an unusual demand, but said they couldn’t discuss the decision because they were still reviewing it.

That DoJ was flat-footed and heavy handed is not what surprised me - this is:

Associated Press reporter Matt Apuzzo quickly objected, saying the off-the-record rule "does nothing to help anybody understand anything."

When he said he would consider the discussion on the record, he was told he should get off the call. Apuzzo refused, saying "there’s just no reason for this to be an off-the-record call." A conference call mute button prevented 40 other reporters from chiming in.

But Justice Department officials wouldn’t budge and the call was cut short.

Right there - this is what a reporter should do. Not just take what you are given - "Oh, you want me to listen and say nothing, okay," but actually force the government official to say something on the record. Even if it is by press release, or a "no comment" comment - they are not allowed to say they've addressed the issue by swearing you to silence.

Memo to network news types - do your F-ing job, already.
(H/t Glenn, again)