licensing reporters ... brilliant ... on the other hand there's a little something called free speech and freedom of the press. Commonly interpreted to mean the press can say anything they want with little repercussion. On the whole, I like it that way (compared to the alternatives practiced in some other countries), though tabloidization of the press seems to be very advanced which results in much fury but little in the way of either data or information. You just have to understand the basic principle of modern journalism: sales of papers or commercials. You need controversy or the potential for it to get the readers/watchers interested in sticking around after the next round of ads. So when talking to reporters no matter how simple the matter expect to be rewritten and use your language appropriately.