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Newspaper editors' group says federal bill to criminalize journalistic 'harrassment' is unconstitutional
- By: ASNE staff
- On: 09/12/1997 16:40:00
- In: Freedom of the press
The American Society of Newspaper Editors has criticized legislation introduced into Congress that would establish civil and criminal penalties for photographers and journalists on grounds of "harrassment."
The American Society of Newspaper Editors has criticized legislation introduced into Congress that would establish civil and criminal penalties for photographers and journalists on grounds of "harrassment."
ASNE president Sandra Mims Rowe, editor of The Oregonian in Portland, said the Protection from Personal Intrusion Act (HR 2448) introduced by Congressman Sonny Bono (R-Calif.), is "well-intentioned, but the measure is patently unconstitutional."
The ASNE president stated, "Congressman Bono's Act crosses the line from regulation of illegal conduct to regulation of unethical conduct.
"The American Society of Newspaper Editors does not support newsgathering tactics that threaten the life or safety of any person. But the use of stalking, trespass, or illegal intrusion to obtain a story or photographs are already punishable by criminal and civil penalties.
"The proper remedy for legal but unethical behavior lies within the journalism profession itself — responsible editors must refuse to engage in such tactics, and the public must refuse to patronize those news disseminators that act irresponsibly."