Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!execu!sequoia!balkan!dogface!wnss!root
From: root@wnss (root)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: CNN Tapes
Message-ID: <14P2s3w163w@wnss>
Date: 22 Nov 90 16:24:47 GMT
Organization: We Never Stop Searching, Austin, Texas
Lines: 31

There are three issues involved in the CNN Tapes issue.  Two of them, 
the confidentiality issue between lawyer and client and the fair trial
issue have been well discussed here. 

But the third issue is just as important.  How did CNN get the tapes.  
I am a journalist with 22 years experience.  In that time, I have never
stolen a document (aka tape recording).  But on any number of occasions 
individuals have provided me the opportunity to review documents, and in
some cases, copy them.  Generally this is done under the term "deep  
background" with the agreement that I can't broadcast the information, 
but may only use it to understand what's going on.  It's an agreement I 
have never violated. 

But that's not to say there aren't some overzelous individuals who would
or as this case might indicate, will provide a news organization with 
information, documents, tapes, etc. with no provisions regarding their 
use.  On the other hand, possibly the CNN crew in some way "fenagled" 
an agreement (or lack of agreement) when they obtained the tapes. 

Personally, I have absolutely no problem with "deep background".  But
as a profession, I do have a problem with individuals who cast our 
professionalism into doubt.   Until it's determined just how CNN came 
into possession of the Noriega tapes, I guess most of the questions 
I've raised here will remain unanswered.  

                                        Lance Spangler 
                                        Senior Producer 
        ALL VIEWS ARE MY OWN AND DO     KVUE Television 
        NOT REFLECT THOSE OF MY         Austin, Texas 
        EMPLOYER, MY SO, OR ANYONE ELSE!!
                                [..] cs.utexas.edu!kvue!wnss!root