Changes

As noted, while leaking is illegal, cabinet secretaries, agency heads, [[White House]] and [[National Security Council]] staff, even [[president]]s personally have been known to leak secret information, often piecemeal, as a way to lessen the impact and shape public opinion about controversial actions of the Executive Branch. These types of leaks are often cited as "Senior officials."

As noted, while leaking is illegal, cabinet secretaries, agency heads, [[White House]] and [[National Security Council]] staff, even [[president]]s personally have been known to leak secret information, often piecemeal, as a way to lessen the impact and shape public opinion about controversial actions of the Executive Branch. These types of leaks are often cited as "Senior officials."

A [[symbiotic]] relationship develops between [[journalist]]s and their sources: the journalist needs the source to "scoop" the competition and meet broadcast or print deadlines with fresh news, and the source can extend his power and influence outside a government office by shaping public perceptions and events.  

A [[symbiotic]] relationship develops between [[journalist]]s and their sources: the journalist needs the source to "scoop" the competition and meet broadcast or print deadlines with fresh news, and the source can extend his power and influence outside a government office by shaping public perceptions and events. Career advancement or [[ideology]] can motivate a low-level leaker, while lessening the impact of a controversial policy decisions kept secret, rather than have it erupt all at once in [[scandal]]ous headlines can be the motivation of a "Senior official."

[[Category:Government]][[category:Journalism]]

[[Category:Government]][[category:Journalism]]