National security journalists say it’s only getting harder to report on intelligence agencies

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued new policies requiring that all public writings and remarks -- even by former employees -- be checked beforehand for sensitive information, and circumscribing how employees can talk about classified material that’s already out in the public sphere.

Long-time intelligence reporters say it’s too soon to say whether the directives -- in effect since April -- are specifically causing sources to clam up. But the policies contribute to a climate where government sources are increasingly twitchy about talking with reporters, even on unclassified matters.