CNET News reports that the Bush administration has attacked Congress’ proposed Free Flow of Information Act. The proposed law is aimed at extending the reporter’s privilege to all types of journalists, including bloggers. The privilege shields journalists from having to reveal their sources.
Some members of Congress are concerned that people attempting to avoid legal action may just throw up a blog and attempt to hide behind a law designed for reporters. According to New York Times columnist William Safire, however, “Whether you’re a blogger or whether you’re The New York Times or CBS or The Wall Street Journal, if what you are doing is aimed at informing the public, then you’re a journalist, whether you get paid for it or not,”
Looks like this may be another case of lawmakers crafting laws covering that which they know little about. For more on the story, visit CNET
free speech free flow of information act
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