Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich declared war against two Baltimore Sun writers, claiming that they failed to report on his administration objectively. In November, Ehrlich prohibited executive branch agencies from responding to inquiries from David Nitkin, The Sun's State House bureau chief, or Michael Olesker, a columnist. The Sun sued and lost. On Valentine's Day, a federal judge ruled that Ehrlich was within his legal rights to block the writers' access. The paper is appealing.

What is happening to The Sun's writers and to reporters elsewhere is being closely watched by media defenders. Matthew Felling, media director for the Center for Media and Public Affairs, said the freeze on access is a piece of a larger trend. "It's open season on the news media, and Americans don't seem to grasp how each shot at the press weakens democracy," he said.

Mayors give press the silent treatment, More officials ban reporters as revenge by Amanda Garrett, Plain Dealer Reporter, March 12, 2005 [complete article]