The House on Tuesday, in a 389-21 vote, supported a cause that would protect the confidential sources of reporters in most federal cases. The White House, of course, is threatening a veto, citing national security and terrorism concerns.
The shield bill is one that should be supported by all journalists, but more importantly by those who consume the work of diligent journalists digging to uncover reports like those on the conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
But there is a problem with the bill that at least one journalism expert has outlined. Amy Gahran, an editor with The Poynter Institute, reported recently that the bill in May read: “a person engaged in journalism and includes a supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of such covered person.” What the House passed Tuesday read: “A person who, for financial gain or livelihood, is engaged in journalism and includes a supervisor, employer, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of such covered person.”
So what’s the problem you ask? You don’t have to be paid to be a journalist.
We live in a world where blogging is a form of reporting, citizens are now journalists and freelancers sometimes actually have to work, well, for free.
What the bill says is that any unpaid journalist could be subject to federal questioning if a story broke and the feds wanted access to those who tipped the journalist.
That’s just not fair to the independent journalist. Sure, they may not have the backing of a major news organization, but what they could have is an eye-opening scoop.
The bill that most journalists are supporting has a glitch that has been enough for others to hope a veto comes from the White House.
Until the bill covers all journalists, a veto may be the best way to go.
Opinion
OUR VIEW: Feds forgetting bloggers with bill
- Opinion
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HOPKINS: Big mistakes by Romney, Obama
Rick Santorum’s strong showing Tuesday in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado should come as no surprise.
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Sound Off published Thursday, Feb. 9
If you keep taking signals down on Nash Road, it will become a regular speedway. Don’t forget: It’s still a city street, with side streets driveways and businesses.
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DUVALL: Church shouldn’t be forced to offer birth control
In announcing that the federal government will require religious institutions to provide free access to birth control, President Obama touched off a heated debate about religious freedom — one he is likely to lose.
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Sound Off published Wednesday, Feb. 8
I think the North Tonawanda school district should look into requiring school uniforms. I think if the school board members walked around the high school and saw how some of these students dress they’d be appalled, to say the least. No school dress code is being enforced. They should consider the pros and cons of bringing back school uniforms.
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OUR VIEW: Time is up for SPCA board
This is no time for subtleties or polite requests.
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CONFER: Time to end the NFL’s blackout rule
Long ago, in a much simpler time, ticket sales accounted for the majority of revenues for professional football teams.
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LEFFLER: Don’t wait to be productive
I’ve always been a bit of a night person. It started in college when I would stay up all hours of the night — doing homework. Or something.
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Sound Off published Tuesday, Feb. 7
I’m very grateful I can’t watch the Butterknives on TV anymore. I mean the Sabres, heh-heh.
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Sound Off published for Sunday Feb. 5
Bob Confer, looks like you did get a little help, regarding your unexpected sights in Niagara. Personally I don’t feel imperiled by bobcats, bears and other wild animals. But I am afraid of you and opinions.
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DUVALL: Immigration, not economy, could tip 2012 election
In a handful of swing states that will decide the election, immigration will play a large — perhaps even determining — role in whether Barack Obama gets another four years.
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