OTHER OPINIONS : Pass shield law
Posted: October 12, 2009 at 6:08 a.m.
MIAMI — The Obama administration’s efforts to impede Senate approval of a law designed to protect reporters from punishment if they refuse to divulge confidential sources are both surprising and utterly disappointing. …
Now that he’s the decider, Mr. Obama has developed cold feet. Last week, he let lawmakers know that he wanted the bill changed in a way that would cripple key provisions on when and how to invoke protections for reporters and their sources.
…
No one disputes that there are instances when the government should have the right to compel information to safeguard the public. That is whyall versions of the bill offer a qualified, rather than absolute privilege, with courts providing meaningful judicial review to determine when the “media shield” should come into play.
It also requires prosecutors to make reporters the last stop, not the first stop, for finding the source of information. More important, it offers a balancing test that weighs the needs of the government for information against “the public interest in gathering news and maintaining the free flow of information.” …
The Judiciary Committee should quit trying to work with the White House and approve the bill as is. …
Opinion, Pages 6 on 10/12/2009
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