D.C. Council considers enacting shield law

Article Abstract:

The District of Columbia Council is considering passing the Free Flow of Information Act of 1991, which would define the privileges of reporters. The press would have an absolute privilege not to disclose information sources to any court, administrative agency, or governmental body with the power to subpoena, and this privilege would not be lost even if a reporter revealed the source to someone. The bill would grant reporters only a limited privilege to refuse to testify if the information requested could be shown to be of an overriding public interest.

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A special role for the media?

Article Abstract:

The reluctance of the Senate Intelligent Committee to deny the Central Intelligence Agency the ability to have agents pose as journalists suggests that many lawmakers fail to understand the fundamental democratic principles that the press upholds. Legislators and courts have been willing to deny journalists the privileges that are a necessary part of effective news-gathering and have been claiming that the press should be treated no different than any other industry. Government encroachment on press functions undermine First Amendment protections.

Editorial, United States, Journalists, United States. Central Intelligence Agency

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Legislature passes nation's 31st shield law after long struggle

Article Abstract:

Florida passed a press shield law in May 1998, following 29 other states and the District of Columbia. The bill protects journalists from being subpoenaed or forced to disclose their sources. A case by a reporter relying on the law was filed in June 1998 and the privilege was upheld.

Florida

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