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Orlando Sentinel — We think: Martinez needs to join Nelson in backing Senate's shield law for reporters
- By: ASNE staff
- On: 07/23/2008 17:24:13
- In: Shield law editorials
Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel July 23, 2008
Some of the most consequential news stories of recent decades -- from the Watergate scandal to the financial scams at Enron Corp. to the disgraceful treatment of veterans at the Walter Reed Medical Center -- might never have come to light
Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel July 23, 2008
Some of the most consequential news stories of recent decades -- from the Watergate scandal to the financial scams at Enron Corp. to the disgraceful treatment of veterans at the Walter Reed Medical Center -- might never have come to light if not for insiders who spoke confidentially to reporters.
But if judges can use the threat of jail or fines to put the squeeze on reporters to reveal their sources, insiders who fear retaliation for exposing corruption or waste are less likely to blow the whistle. The free flow of information, so vital to holding government and other powerful institutions accountable, is at risk.
Most states, recognizing this danger, protect the confidentiality of reporters' sources in their courts. But in federal courts, more than 40 reporters in recent years have faced punishment for not naming sources.
Last year the U.S. House overwhelmingly passed legislation to protect journalists and their sources in federal courts. Now the Senate is poised to vote on a similar bill. While generally shielding confidential sources, it includes sensible exceptions, such as not allowing reporters to withhold information that could prevent terrorist acts or other significant harm to national security.
The Bush administration, never much concerned about the free flow of information, opposes the bill. That makes it vital for the Senate to pass it with a veto-proof margin, as the House did.
Among Florida's two senators, Democrat Bill Nelson is a reliable aye vote for the bill. Republican Mel Martinez needs to back it, too.