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.

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