I believe it is helpful to make a distinction as to what is being reported. Quoting anonymous government sources to report potential criminal behavior by government employees or public figures may provide a public benefit.

I believe it is not in the public's interest to have anonymous government sources make otherwise unsupported accusations about private individuals and expect to remain anonymous.

Why should it be so difficult to recognize the difference between whistle-blowing and cowardly character assassination.

At the very least reporters should clearly explain that information from anonymous sources is potentially unreliable and may be serving a hidden agenda. Too often anonymous sources with made up rumors turn into 24/7 news stories presented as undisputed facts.

This whole concept of 1st Amendment Rights has been turned upside down. Whistle blowers are losing the battle while senior government officials freely spread misinformation to gain political advantage.