Subscribe to Broadcasting & Cable
RSS
Reprints/License
Print
Email

SPJ Holding Obama To His Pledge To Support Shield Law

Bill is expected to be reintroduced early in the next session

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/20/2008 10:44:00 AM

The Society of Professional Journalists is holding President-elect Barack Obama to his pledge of support for a federal shield law.
“We call on the President-elect to make good on his campaign comments that he will continue to support the passage of a federal shield law,” SPJ President Dave Aeikens said in a statement Thursday. “This is a critical piece of legislation to continue to assure the flow of information.”
A bill to institute the shield passed in the House but got held up in the Senate after the Justice Department strongly oppsed it and concerns were raised over who in the new media world if millions of blogger would or would not be covered by the shield. There was some hope for passage in a lame duck session, but that hope has faded.
The bill protects journalists and their sources from overzealous government investigations, mirroring similar laws or case law in 49 of 50 states. "It’s time to stop the threat of jail or fines for reporters who are simply doing their jobs, providing a link in democracy between government and the citizens,” said Aeikens.
The bill is expected to be reintroduced early in the next session.

RSS
Reprints/License
Print
Email
Advertisement
More Content
  • Blogs
  • Photos
  • Podcasts

Sorry, no blogs are active for this topic.

Free Streaming panel_Grossman_Graboff_Rosenblum_Tellem_Wells_vertical

Free Streaming: Killing or Saving the Television Business

Photos from the B&C/Multichannel News panel discussion and networking breakfast held Nov. 17, 2009, at the Academy Television Arts & Sciences. (Photos by credit: Craig T. Mathew/Mathew Imaging)
Bell Blue

The Schmooze: B&C Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Members of the 2009 B&C Hall of Fame class receive their honors at the Waldorf-Astoria, Oct. 20, 2009.
ZuckerComcast

The Schmooze: 2009 B&C Hall of Fame

Photos from the 19th annual Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame gala at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, Oct. 20, 2009.

Advertisement


About Us   |   Advertising Info   |   Submissions   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Affiliate Links   |   RSS
© 2010 NewBay Media, LLC. 810 Seventh Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10019 T (212) 378-0400 F (212) 378-0470
Use of this website is subject to its Terms of Use | Privacy Policy