Shield Law Bill Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

The new shield law bill has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 14-5 vote.  The bill, S. 448, the Free Flow of Information Act, would give journalists qualified protection from having to give uo their sources, with exceptions for national security and other situations.  The bill now will go to the full Senate, then, if passed, to reconciliation with a previously passed version from the House.

NAB EVP DENNIS WHARTON said, "NAB salutes Chairman LEAHY and Senators SPECTER, SCHUMER and GRAHAM for their commitment to the enactment of a federal media shield law. Broadcast journalists have a proven track-record of quality journalism, keeping Americans informed with timely investigative reporting on issues of critical importance to their local communities and our nation. NAB looks forward to our continued work with Congress, the WHITE HOUSE and our media partners to ensure journalists have the continued ability to report the news without fear of prosecutorial reprisal."

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