Editorial
Yakima Herald-Republic
Jan. 15, 2006
Excerpt:
Some might erroneously think that the so-called “shield
laws” are self-serving tools for journalists. But in the final
analysis, they are in the public’s best interest. Almost all of the
state’s public-corruption investigations over the past 25 years have
been driven by media interest, according to King County Prosecutor Norm
Meling, an early supporter of [Attorney General Rob] McKenna’s
legislation — and also a Republican.Even with such protection, media outlets still must act responsibly and
take necessary risks in holding public and private agencies
accountable. Professional journalists have almost never hidden behind
shields to cover up sloppy reporting, plagiarism, or outright
fabrication of news.Putting such a shield into state law actually firms up protections for
both the media and confidential sources who provide information. […]The legislation would make Washington the 32nd state (plus Washington,
D.C.,) with some form of official reporter’s privilege. In an earlier
news release, McKenna acknowledged that in Washington courts have
recognized a common-law protection for reporters’ confidential sources.
But news organizations must spend time and money in court to win these
cases, and experts say a clear reporter shield statute would prevent
unnecessary court battles.
