Thanks, Kieren. As you point out, there are cultural beliefs that are always stronger than written laws. But there's also another way to see this -- there is no longer such a strong belief here in the US in the sacrosanct-ness of the journalist relationship with a source. Why should that relationship be specially protected (so goes the question)? We have very few "privileged" relationships here, and there is less trust in the press than there used to be, so this one is under pressure. There might not be the backlash you're assuming, even if a journalist stood her/his ground. I happen to be someone who believes that the press plays an important role in society, but even I have to question my quasi-religious beliefs along these lines.