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It's also that intentionally leaked information and special access tend to be given to journalists who share the views of the organization or individual at hand, and will be more likely to put a favorable spin on the story. Of course it's natural that people gravitate toward like-minded others and mutually beneficial relationships arise, but depending on the circumstances it should be illegal. Take a look at the emails where Hillary Clinton more or less dictates to Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic (a news source that is still IMO far less seedy than the most popular media organizations).