Media Shield Law Remains in Doubt
By HOPE YEN
Associated Press
March 17, 2008
Page 3 of 3
Dismissing notions that media subpoenas would dampen investigative reporting, Fitzgerald said, ''Journalists have been saying the sky is falling since 1972 ... and that suddenly the stories will dry up. But I'm not seeing big blank spaces on the front page.''
Media groups are not so sure.
They cite Locy's case in which she is refusing to identify a dozen Justice Department sources to lawyers for Steven Hatfill. The former Army scientist is suing the government for invasion of privacy after he came under scrutiny in the anthrax attacks. Locy says she cannot remember if her dozen sources specifically talked about Hatfill.
''If journalists can't find protection in the courts, then legislation is the only answer,'' said Nathan Siegel, a lawyer who represents the AP and other news organizations.
The shield legislation is supported by several media organizations, including the AP, the Newspaper Association of America, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, The New York Times Co. and The Washington Post.
>> Back -- Page 1 2 3
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
++ Discuss this topic in The Forum
This page has not been rated.
| 
