Senate, White House agree on reporter protections

[TomCADem]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The White House, key senators and media representatives have reached a compromise on legislation to protect reporters from being forced to disclose their confidential sources in federal court.

Senate supporters of the so-called media shield bill said Friday that the deal gives the government authority to override those rights in certain national security cases.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the agreement "strikes the right balance between national security concerns and the public's right to know." He said it would preserve a strong defense for reporters trying to protect sources while making sure the government can do its job of protecting citizens.

The Senate Judiciary Committee could take up the altered legislation next week.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091031/ap_on_go_ot/us_media_shield

[bluestateguy]

1. Typical cozy media elite

Heaven forbid they shouldn't be able to hide behind cowardly anonymous sources.

[No Elephants]

5. .If we insist everyone identify himself or herself, we'll know a lot less.

A shield law is good policy, but the loophole in this one can be abused very, very easily.

[Frank Booth]

2. Can someone please define "certain national security cases"?

I'm sure this will work wonderfully.

[bemildred]

3. Everything the government does is the public's business.

Everything the government does if by definition political, hence subject to the 1st amendment.

[Piewhacket]

4. Schumer, I'm a dem to the bitter end, but you are starting to annoy me.

[defendandprotect]

6. When are we getting rid of CIA "journalists" . . . ?? Monopoly press????

[TomCADem]

7. The Irony Is That For Of Fox's Whining About President Obama

He agreed to a media shield law, and Bush didn't. Yet, watch the first Amendment get thrown around as a reason to expand media monopolies. For example, News Corp is now about to buy the Travel Channel.

[defendandprotect]

8. IMO, the more they do this the more people put the TV in the closet -- and wake up!!!

Which is good news in a way....