A study by a university professor shows that government information officers are routinely denying news to journalists who posted stories in the past that they found objectionable. This news comes at a time of charges that the federal government is restricting the flow of information to the media and public in multiple ways. (International Business Times, August 7, 2014, by David Sirota)
Reporters face increasing numbers of powerful public relations officers as evidenced by the growth of 20 percent in PR employees since 2010 by House of Representatives committees. (Columbia Journalism Review, August 6, 2014, by David Uberti)
The Society of Professional Journalism, July 8, 2014, sent a letter to President Obama in early July protesting the political suppression of news by federal agencies and asking for greater transparency. The letter cited examples of censorship: blocking specific reporters, delaying release of news past deadlines and releasing news only anonymously or “on background.” The letter also asked for an ombudsman to monitor attempts at suppression.