To get a better idea of how the press operates today, I interviewed a reporter for my local newspaper, “The Willits News.” This is a transcript of the interview, which took place on April 7, 2005, with Dan McKee.

EMILY: Do you ever have any problems with your job, like getting certain information or anything?

DAN: We have never had any problem with getting information. There is more protection today than in other times. Like the medical information of the victim of an accident. Most of the problems in the press are getting minutes and documents that various companies do not want to be made public and privacy. e.g. a newspaper wanted information concerning a fired teacher. These cases can be taken to court and the newspapers usually win those cases.

EMILY: Do you have a limit or any restrictions to what questions you can ask?

DAN: You can ask any questions you like but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will answer them. They can just say no comment.

EMILY: Has the internet changed the way you gather information?

DAN: The internet is a good research tool to access background information on it much more easily than before. After that it is still pounding the pavement and making telephone calls and talking to people

EMILY: Who’s your freedom of the press hero?

DAN: Inspired. Reporters aren’t inspired. More like foot slogging hacks.

EMILY: Do you have any problems protecting your sources.

DAN: No not really. Protecting sources are not a problem. The few cases where it might be a problem, there is an easy way around that: destroying your notes. They can’t take your notes if they cant find them. Protection of our sources is one of our top priorities.