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Contact: Ed McDonald
202.225.3065
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HOUSE TO VOTE ON MEDIA SHIELD BILL TODAY
HOUSE TO VOTE ON MEDIA SHIELD BILL TODAY
Washington,
Oct 16, 2007 -
Saying that protecting journalists’ confidential news sources is vital to keeping a strong free press, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) became an original cosponsor of a media shield bill which will be on the House floor later today. Congressman Coble joined Reps. Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Mike Pence (R-IN) in sponsoring H.R. 2102, the “Free Flow of Information Act.”
“Although H.R. 2102 does not resolve all of the problems surrounding news gathering, the use of confidential sources is often at the epicenter of the media’s problems,” Rep. Coble stated prior to the vote. “Many stories are based on information from confidential sources who reveal criminal or scandalous conduct by individuals who hold positions of high trust.
“If there is criminal or scandalous activity to report, witnesses should not be afraid to speak to the press, no matter who is involved. On the other hand, if a reporter is conducting an investigation, it is in everyone’s best interest that the reporter has access to as much information as possible so that he or she does not come to an incorrect conclusion. A misleading article or story can have the effect of indicting or exonerating someone without any substantive basis.
“Clarifying legal protections for confidential sources is essential to reporters who are trying to collect the most accurate and detailed information and is paramount to the sources who ordinarily would not speak up for fear of retaliation. Currently, the rules are vague and often left to individual courts to determine on a case-by-case basis. Journalists and their sources should not have to guess or hope they will be forced to testify in court – they should know whether or not their conversations are protected. Simply put, this bill creates a safe harbor for journalists to freely discuss sensitive information with confidential sources. It is my view that this could reveal facts which would lead to stories that otherwise would not see the light of day.
“H.R. 2102 is good policy and should not be swept under the rug for fear that criminal investigations will be undermined or eviscerated – which is the language used by the Bush Administration. The original text of H.R. 2102 contains exceptions for national security, criminal prosecution, or situations of imminent death or significant bodily harm. The manager’s amendment contains additional exceptions and while they will also improve this bill, everyone should know that H.R. 2102 specifically exempts national security, criminal investigations, and situations of imminent death or significant bodily harm – and will not undermine criminal investigations.
“H.R. 2102 was approved by the House Committee on the Judiciary by voice vote. I feel very strongly that the Administration’s opposition to this legislation is misguided. Former Solicitor General of the United States, Theodore B. Olson, wrote that ‘the legislation is well balanced and long overdue, and it should be enacted.’ The bill is good public policy, and I urge all members to vote in support of final passage and in support of the manager’s amendment.”
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