Citizen Journalist and Reporters need protection

Federal law needed to protect public's right to know
Florida Times Union
Mon, Feb 3, 2014

The bill also would expand the definition of journalist to account for today’s citizen journalists if a judge approves it.

When The Washington Post exposed the deplorable conditions at Walter Reed Hospital for America’s injured military people, Robert Gates was shocked. The Defense secretary at the time found out about the inexcusable conditions in the newspaper.

He fired those responsible, set aside those who offered excuses and made it a personal priority to put the injured military men and women first.

We don’t know where the newspaper’s investigative reporters obtained their information.

Most likely it came from anonymous sources — tips. Careers could be on the line if their names were known.

It’s important that the source of those tips be protected in fact and in public perception; otherwise an important safeguard for America’s democracy will be lost.

That is why a qualified reporter’s privilege needs to pass U.S. Senate.

The key word is “qualified.” Nobody is asking for total privilege for the news media. But it is reasonable that the federal government offer the same sort of reasonable and respectful privilege to the news media that exists in Florida and most of the states.
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