“I’m often surprised when I hear about colleagues leaving journalism for government or government relations. I can’t imagine doing anything else, although I understand how the news business can turn sour for some people,” said veteran newsman Mark Knoller, White House correspondent for CBS News.

“My experience in dealing with former journalists now serving as government spokespersons or officials is mixed. Some of them understand the information I’m seeking and why — and are most helpful,” he said. “But some others strike me as having turned to the dark side and seem more interested in denying information than providing it.”…

Mr. Erickson’s overarching point is that conservatives ultimately get short shrift to have their side of the story heard.

“It is damnably hard to get a fair shake when the reporter’s presuppositions going into a report is that life begins when the parents take the child home from the hospital, Ronald Reagan left America poor and destitute, or anyone who opposes gay marriage, no matter how sincerely their religious views, is a bigot,” Mr. Erickson said.