> how do we recognise a "real" independent journalist doing real investigative journalism from an activist blogger with an axe to grind? 100% the wrong take.

> how do we recognise a "real" independent journalist doing real investigative journalism from an activist blogger with an axe to grind? 100% the wrong take. Why shouldn't reporting be traceable as far as is both practical, and safe for the people involved? "The 'I HATE BIBI' blog reported that the Israeli Prime Minister admitted he like dressing up like a kangaroo and hopping around his office" allows people more (potentially) useful information than merely reporting the PM is a furry. There doesn't need to be a distinct line between "reporter" and "person reporting news". At least, not in general; some measure of impact (followers, audience size, etc) is practical and necessary for allowing people to attend White House press briefings, but that's another subject altogether.