As part of the Labor Department's review of its security policies, it looked into which news organizations should or should not be allowed to receive early access to economic data. Officials said their decisions were based on whether a news outlet produces original reporting and distributes it to a wide audience.

The report says Labor officials raised concerns about self-identified news organizations that primarily serve high-speed stock traders. It notes that high-speed traders can profit from having the data even a split-second before its public release.

The department this spring revoked access for a handful of companies that deliver data to high-speed traders but produce little or no original news content. Among them is Need to Know News, part of Deutsche Borse Group, which produces no original news content. The company offers audio and computer delivery of economic data, according to its website.