Globe staff
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe
Jan. 23, 2006

Excerpt:

It clearly is in the public's interest to keep channels open and available for individuals who have knowledge of wrongdoing or corruption. It is important that they tell what they know and for reporters to use the information informing the public. If confidentiality is not protected, whistle-blowers may be intimidated into keeping mum by the possibility of job loss or other repercussions.

Any good shield law not only must protect confidential sources and news gatherers, but also unpublished information, such as notes and memos that are intended for internal use only. Consider the recent case of New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who was in jail for 85 days even though she had never published a story involving the information being demanded by a grand jury.

Missouri needs a shield law to guarantee that the public's interest in getting at the truth is not thwarted.

E-mail this item | Add Your Comments | QuickLink this item: A97571


Journalists' Rights Tracker Archive

View items published between:		and
	(MM/DD/YYYY)		(MM/DD/YYYY)

MAIN | Back to Top