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The ebb and (free) flow of journalism

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in Opinion
Monday, February 22. 2010
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Does anyone in cyberland remember the Free Flow of Information Act?

Introduced to the United States Senate by Sens. Richard Lugar and Chris Dodd in 2007 and later amended by Sen. Arlen Specter, the bill intended to provide a news reporter with the right to refuse to testify as to information or sources of information obtained during the newsgathering and dissemination process.

While numerous U.S. states have shield laws, the federal government has no such law. The bill is an effort to enact a shield law at the federal level.

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#1 -journawhatever. on 02/22/10 at 07:51 AM
The biggest point of confusion for me stems from the concept that jornalism historically has been a profession, carried out by professionals and as such, engaged persons of some standard (education, experience or otherwise) to carry out the role of journalist.

These days, anyone who posts on the web or happens to get published, regardless of the merit or truth of their writing, considers themself a journalist and demands all the implications therein.

It is a double edged sword - some information would never see the light of day without a source having some confidence of remaining out of sight, but lies told in confidence would receive the same protection.
#2 H B on 02/23/10 at 04:23 PM
I agree with you on several points. You omitted the point of sensationism that seems to prevail with both hack journalist and professional journalist. Both run in fear of the truth.
#3 Anonymous on 02/24/10 at 06:11 AM
It’s interesting how we seem to believe that truth is an absolute and not merely a perspective. What I detest in media are the so called journalists who are disingenuous to the point of being down right criminal only to push an economic interest. Another abominate is when the media manipulates the ignorant, innocent or ill informed so they can sell this power to the highest bidder.
I wonder if there is a special place in hell for these kind, and if so, I would pay top dollar for a front row seat.
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