Eh less a Free Press issue and more a problem of Access Journalism. "Off the record" is not actually a thing; they can publish whatever an official says to them, and put name to the quote. Once. If you burn a source, they will be less willing to open up to you next time. That would mean more work in the long run.
You're free to say whatever you want about the king. Once. If he doesn't like what you write, you'll be drawn and quartered, but we still have press freedom.
Don't be silly. They aren't facing criminal penalties; they face having the door slammed in their face next time they ask for an interview.
"Free Press" lol