Any legal restrictions on setting up a *news* agency or calling yourself

[liveoaktx]

one? Seems to me a large part of this Gannon/Guckert debacle deals with some guy, like ANY OF US, on the internet getting a domain (among others), using the word *NEWS* in it, and then pretending to be a reporter. What made him legit, if anything?

In reading the Daily KOS interview with Joseph Wilson, he didn't question Guckert's credentials, all that yokel had to do was say he represented conservative Talon News.

And, especially with the White House, what kind of vetting do they do? It seems that anyone properly vetted can get a one-day press pass to sit in on the briefing-so any of us that pass some kind of security muster could put a *press pass* sticker in our hat and go listen to Scottie?

[HereSince1628]

1. There have been several attempts to license journalists...

Clearly such things have the potential to destroy freedom of the press.

No matter how Roverer successfully uses and manipulates people like Gannon or the MSM, I argue the press should be free and let the readers beware.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. I think it is interesting...

and certainly to be remembered that Joe Farah's WorldNet Daily was refused, on a number of occasions, credentials for its "reporters". In the world of rampant wingnuttery, few hold a candle to Joe and his people. That said, they are a *little* closer to a credible news-gathering organization than this kitche sink abortion that is Talon.

The question is: Why does Talon have all this apparent cred? I suspect that the answers can be found in its relationship to L'affaire Plame, FweepeeLand, and their benefactors, whomever they might be. Somewhere along the way, a marker was called on their behalf.

Just the sort of thing one might expect if the person calling the marker wanted to give a hand up to his journalist rent boy, perhaps. Stranger things have happened. It wouldn't be the first time.

Next question: Remember, back in the Poppy41 admin, there was a scandal regarding gay prostitutes and their access to the White House and its personel? It was all over that bird cage liner, The Washington Slimes. Could this have anything to do with that situation? The parrelels are noticable.

[Ian David]

3. You can get media credentials from Universal Life Church

http://www.ulc.org/

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. Not...

White House Media Credentials. A whole different beasty.

[KharmaTrain]

4. I Think We Need To Redirect...

While "Gannon's" credentials are a joke (yet the MSM media is ignoring this story like a bad hair day), the question no one seems to be asking is who credentialed him at the WH. Also, since we know all these "impromptu" press conferences are staged, who decided he was to be called on (Scotty???) and if (or shall we say who) supplied his question...just like the witchhunt that followed the question asked of Rummy.

Then...we need someone who can connect a couple dots...Talon right into the regime. I know the trail is coming together...we need to push it toward the regime and away from "Gannon".

[Ian David]

6. Very good point. Who invited him?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. Correct, we need to follow the trail and see where it leads.

Focus on the issues that this exposed and not be sidetracked by the drama of Gannon.

[Freddie Stubbs]

8. One DUer has already done this

http://www.nashuaadvocate.blogspot.com