A federal judge’s ruling this week that two San Francisco Chronicle reporters must reveal their sources for leaked grand jury testimony is wrong and must not be allowed to stand, the president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors said today.

As the final days of the 111th Congress wind down, news organizations led by ASNE editors have generated a drumbeat of editorials in support of the law to protect reporters' sources. "When I leave my office to meet with senators or their staff, editorials by their local daily papers are the first thing I grab," said Kevin Goldberg, ASNE's general counsel. "And when I hand them materials that support our case, it's always the document that makes them sit up and pay attention. They have a real impact." Editorials written so far this month are available at the "View article" link below.

In February, sponsors in both houses of Congress reintroduced the Free Flow of Information Act (S. 448/H.R. 985). The Act is a federal shield law that would protect the identities of reporters’ confidential sources and the public’s right to know.

Argument: The DOJ claimed in its July 2007 letter that it rarely issues subpoenas, has approved only 19 source-related subpoenas since 1991, and there is no need for this legislation.

Response:

• Somehow their numbers do not ad

Argument: Leaks of national security secrets are harmful. This bill should be opposed because sources who unlawfully leak classified information may be shielded by journalists.

Response:

• The Act requires the identifica

The Free Flow of Information (H.R. 2102 / S. 2035) will not delay investigations or prosecutions, and may even speed them up.

1. The Act Does Not Prevent or Restrict Subpoenas to Reporters
   
   • Right now, a litigant who wants in

Argument: Passing this bill is bad public policy because it will hamper the government’s ability to protect our nation from terrorist attacks and other threats to national security.

Response:

• The bill provides an exception

Argument: The definition of a journalist is too broad, would cover all bloggers, whether they are a journalist or not. It would also protect foreign terrorists or criminals trying to shield themselves from law enforcement by posing as journalists.

Response: