Reply #143: It Can Be Said Any Time, But It Doesn't Carry With It Agreement At Any Time.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

Off the record is an agreement. Reporters are not bound to this agreement. They generally have to have the chance to agree or disagree first. That's why prior to a statement, the call for off the record is made. For someone to think that saying a totally controversial line and then recognizing it and screaming out 'off the record!' is an agreement of integrity with the journalist, is highly ignorant and naive.

It is supposed to come first. That's part of the integrity contained within it, so that the journalist has a chance to approve or disapprove. The request can be made at any time and it is up to the journalist's discretion to abide by it or not, but only when done PRIOR to a controversial statement is the journalist expected to have the integrity to honor the request, Mr. media expert.