are raters reporters?

--some argued taht raters' work has public value and would be "chilled" if they are financially liable for their errors --other asserted that ratings firms deserve same First Amendment protections given to journalists. --yet is it not for CDO raters a.rating firms rated traditional corporate bonds whether they are paid or not, CDO raters are usually paid b.tradtional debt is accessible to public while CDO are sold privately to qualified investors.