States must step up to protect journalist-source confidentiality
AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews
Confidential sources need to know that journalists won’t be forced to out them.
Many sources with newsworthy information can only speak out safely if their names are kept confidential. Journalists need to be able to promise sources confidentiality — and be able to keep those promises without going to jail.
Almost every state has recognized a reporter-source privilege that protects confidential sources and, in some cases, other newsgathering materials. But those laws don’t always stop demands for reporters’ sources, and bad legal decisions can undermine them. We need to strengthen the reporter-source privilege at both the state and federal levels.
Stop attacking Seth Harp’s First Amendment rights
A House committee voted to subpoena journalist Seth Harp over his constitutionally protected reporting of the name of a commander involved in the Nicolás Maduro abduction, and a GOP representative asked the Justice Department to prosecute Harp under the Espionage Act. Tell Congress to cut it out and stand up for the First Amendment.
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Tell Congress to stand up for journalist Seth Harp’s constitutional freedoms
Featured Items
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Demand that Fox News reveal confidential source underscores need for PRESS Act
A federal judge implied that the lack of a federal shield law weakens the reporter’s privilege
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Why principled conservatives should oppose Florida’s defamation bill
Proposal would ‘Europeanize’ American law and protect elites
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Why all Republicans should support the PRESS Act
Anti-surveillance bill combats government overreach and political retaliation
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Nearly 40 press rights and civil liberties organizations urge Sen. Schumer to help pass the PRESS Act
Letter argues that law would curtail trend of government surveillance of journalists.
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Ohio authorities ignore Supreme Court to arrest journalist
Editor charged and equipment seized after publishing source’s recording of murder trial.
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Unanswered questions on the San Francisco police raid of a journalist’s home
The SF police chief finally apologized, but many questions remain unanswered.
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San Francisco’s criminal investigation of a journalist for ‘conspiracy’ is a shocking attack on press freedom
San Francisco's investigation into a freelance reporter for 'conspiracy' is a brazen attack on the rights of all journalists.
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An increasing number of journalists have recently faced subpoenas
Three months into 2018, the most under the radar threat to press freedom has shown itself to be not arrests or attacks on journalists, but rather subpoenas to produce documents or attempt to force journalists to testify about their sources.
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Out-of-control North Dakota prosecutors still pursuing reporter Amy Goodman, even after judge dismisses riot charge
Why are prosecutors attempting to throw reporters in jail for documenting protests?
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Vindication: High court in New Zealand rules police raid on journalist Nicky Hager was illegal
In a huge victory for press freedom, New Zealand’s High Court has ruled decisively in favor of independent journalist Nicky Hager in his case against the New Zealand government for raiding his house and seizing his family’s possessions in 2014. The court’s decision, which was released on …
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