An ancient debate has resurfaced in recent weeks on whether journalists should be accredited by government. The debate has revived concerns in the craft that the negative consequences could outweigh any privileges of professional registration.

The Quebec government's recent review of media led to a proposal of a new regulatory system that would include a registration system of its journalists. Not surprisingly, the Canadian Association of Journalists has called this an excessive interference in press freedoms.

And in England, the shadow culture secretary for the Labour Party suggested not only a registration system but an ability to "strike off" the bad players, much in the way doctors are for malpractice. Not surprisingly, the idea has its critics, including the Guardian's venerable media writer Roy Greenslade.