Reporters Revealing Sources

Paper Summary:

This paper presents an examination of the rules and ethics governing journalists revealing sources. The paper explores cases in which journalists were ordered to reveal sources and refused. It also examines the protections that journalists have from revealing sources and argues that it is those protections that provide the ability to bring the public the news.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Federal Shield Time

From the Paper:

"Part of the problem involves the legality of a government official leaking information to the press that should have fallen under their confidentiality agreement. The leaks are at times criminal offenses on the part of the official who provided the information and the demand to have the journalist reveal that name is so that person can be charged. If the journalist doesn't reveal the source there is no way of knowing it if was in fact a government official or other person who had a confidentiality agreement. It is ironic that journalists are jailed for not helping someone jail an official who helps bring corruption to public light."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dreiling, Geri L (2004) First Amendment protects journalists and that the majority ... National Catholic Reporter.
• _______(2006) EDITORIAL: Pass Federal Shield Law From: Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
• Flowers, Charles (2000) Newspaper Lawsuit Still On The Griddle Seminole Tribune
• Kellman, Laurie (2005) Senate considers protecting reporters who won't reveal... AP Worldstream;
• Peele, Thomas (2006) Reporters claim privilege to protect source From: Contra Costa Times

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