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Jackson Sun — Senate should pass federal shield law
- By: ASNE staff
- On: 10/01/2007 16:08:18
- In: Shield law editorials
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Sept. 30, 2007
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee should move quickly to approve a federal shield law for reporters. The law, which has passed in the House, is not without its detractors, but it is much needed and can only benefit Americans in th
The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Sept. 30, 2007
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee should move quickly to approve a federal shield law for reporters. The law, which has passed in the House, is not without its detractors, but it is much needed and can only benefit Americans in the long run.
If it is approved, federal courts would join 32 states and the District of Columbia in giving reporters protection from being forced to reveal confidential sources, except in certain cases. Those exemptions include cases in which investigators are tracking acts of terrorism and acts of terrorism against other countries. Accused spies, agents of foreign countries and terrorists also could not claim privilege under the proposed law.
Predictably, critics of the bill are worried that making it harder for the government to track down leaks could endanger national security. But those fears are unfounded.
In reality, this bill strikes the right balance between the public's right to know and national security concerns. On one hand, the legislation makes clear that reporters aren't allowed to protect someone who presents a real threat to our security. On the other, it prevents the government from clamping down on the press in an effort to keep reporters from revealing things Americans need to know, but that the government wants to keep hidden.
And make no mistake. Although use of anonymous sources can be tricky, they have, in the past, helped break stories that never would have come to light otherwise. The Watergate scandal that brought about the downfall of the Nixon presidency comes immediately to mind.
A federal shield law is important because it encourages people with important information to step forward without fear of retribution. And it's important because it helps the media perform one of their most important functions - holding government accountable - more effectively.
This legislation strikes the right balance between legitimate government concerns and Americans' right to know what their government is up to. It should become law.