It's something of a trend in journalism right now: Reporters who let sources decide which quotes of theirs can be used in a story.
It's a practice that's especially widespread in political coverage. On the 2012 campaign trail, both the Obama and Romney camps demand quote approval. "Politicians and their advisers are routinely demanding that reporters allow them final editing power" over quotes, Jeremy Peters of The New York Times reported.
Meanwhile, Michael Lewis, who received virtually unfettered access to President Obama for his profile in Vanity Fair, has revealed that he also had to agree to give the White House the final say on which quotes from their many interviews could be used.
Such revelations have prompted much soul-searching among news outlets. The Times has said it's reviewing its policy on quote approval. The National Journal banned the practice, and The Associated Press trumpeted the fact that it never allowed it in the first place.
