Topic: Scott Shane

The New York Times is criticized for its lack of coverage regarding the crackdown in Bahrain, where the monarchy is investigating its own actions with Saudi support. A specific photo of Hillary Clinton walking past "techno experts" in a Scott Shane article is highlighted as a significant media artifact. The hosts argue that Bahrain receives less scrutiny than Syria due to its strategic importance and Formula One ties.

A government official at the journalism forum accidentally uses the phrase "editorial restriction" before correcting it to "observation" or "restraint." The hosts argue this proves the media and government are working together to manage the flow of information. The State Department official is seen praising the New York Times for its "responsible" handling of leaked data.

Scott Shane of the New York Times discusses the process of redacting names of informants in the WikiLeaks cables to avoid putting lives at risk. He compares the current classification system to the Soviet agency "Glavlit," noting that bureaucrats often over-classify information. The hosts argue that redaction is a form of blackmail, allowing the government to control those whose names are hidden.