West Coast, if you'd read my previous posts, then you'll see I say that I don't believe reporters are above the law. If a reporter breaks the law, he is liable for the same punishments as anyone else. But sometimes I believe it's the right thing to do to break a law - and face the consequences - to make a more important point.
And exactly what type of protection do you, the private citizen, need from us scheming journalists? In what way have you personally been damaged by this newspaper story, or any other?
Any protection you need is provided by libel laws. Believe me, in my organization we have to be extremely careful what we write ... (not sure I can say the same for all publications ...)