Free Flow of Information Act

Journalists Need a Federal Shield Law

Stevie Converse — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:59:02 -0400

Full article: Los Angeles Times
Readers, reporters and editors prefer that the sources of important news stories be named. But confidential sources have made it possible for the press to expose abuses of power, from the Los Angeles Police Department to the Bush administration. For that kind of investigative journalism, protections for sources and journalists must be enshrined in law.

Congressman, Marking 'Sunshine Week,' Calls for Passing a Federal Shield Law in 2009

Stevie Converse — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:03:38 -0400

Full article: Editor & Publisher
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.)
The Free Flow of Information Act simply provides qualified protection for members of the news media against compelled disclosure of confidential sources. President Barack Obama pledged his support for a federal media shield when he was serving as a U.S. Senator. The time for ensuring the free flow of information is now.

Much Is at Stake in Journalist Shield Bill

Stevie Converse — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:07:56 -0400

Full article: Salem Stateman Journal
Gene Policinski
A shield law is needed not only to protect journalists. We also should be concerned about the potential to encourage or chill those who come forward on issues such as drinking water or food safety, fraud, or errant law enforcement policies or practices, to name but a few.

Senate Should Pass Crucial Shield Legislation

Stevie Converse — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:10:40 -0400

Full article: San Antonio Express-News
The ability to protect confidential sources is crucial to democracy and exposing government problems. When senators return from their August break, they should bring the shield law bill to the floor and pass it on its merits.

FBI Apologizes to Newspapers for Spying on Reporters: The Bureau Does Not

Stevie Converse — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:17:16 -0400

Full article: Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders welcomes the apology the FBI made to the newspapers' editors for improperly obtaining information about reporters' phone conversations, but the bureau needs to come forward and provide more information as to why and how they obtained this information.

Press and Public Need a Federal Shield Law

Stevie Converse — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:49:47 -0400

Full article: Minneapolis Star Tribune
It may be difficult to get consensus on cures for what ails the news media, but there is one issue participants in the National Conference for Media Reform -- and the country -- can rally around: the need for a national shield law.

Protecting a Basic Freedom

Holiday Shapiro — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:34:12 -0400

Full article: New York Times

Cabinet Officials Cite Concerns About Senate Version of Reporter's Shield Law

Holiday Shapiro — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:59:41 -0400

Full article: Washington Post
Walter Pincus

The Free Flow of Information

Holiday Shapiro — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:20:18 -0400

Full article: Washington Post

Presidential Candidates Support Shield Law

Holiday Shapiro — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:12:21 -0400

Full article: The Hill
Jim Snyder