A Needed Shield

A NEEDED SHIELD
[SOURCE: Washington Post, AUTHOR: various]
[Commentary] Three commentaries in the WashPost (and more from around the country) this morning address the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007, sponsored by Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.). The bill would protect the relationship between journalists and their confidential sources at the federal level and bring the federal government in line with 49 states and the District of Columbia.

* A Needed Shield (editorial -- pro)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/03/AR2007100302095.html

* Shield Law Perils . . . (Patrick J. Fitzgerald -- con)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/03/AR2007100302000.html

* . . . Or Safeguards? (Theodore B. Olson -- pro)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/03/AR2007100302061.html
(requires registration)

* Shield law must advance (Editorial -- pro)
[SOURCE: San Francisco Chronicle, AUTHOR: Editorial staff]
[Commentary] The shield measures would bring federal law into line with the overwhelming majority of states that recognize confidential sources are essential to reporting the news - and protecting the public's right to know.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/03/EDO9SHU7U.DTL