Federal Media Shield Bill moves forward

Update

SPJ commends the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee for voting in favor of an amended federal shield law on Wednesday.

The Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, or Federal Media Shield Bill, would protect the public's right to speak out and promote the public's right to know. It would also make it easier for journalists to protect the identities of their confidential sources. The current bill applies to newsgatherers who derive "financial gain or livelihood" from journalistic activity, including freelancers and advertising-supported bloggers.

The bill is headed to the full House next, but not before lawmakers plan to tweak the language again.

Read more about the federal shield law.

From: SPJ Member Resources