What are the pros of the media shield bill law moving through Congress?
MK: The main benefit is the creation of a legal protection for journalists that currently does not exist. While this is not a perfect bill, it will provide protection for journalists subpoenaed to testify in a federal proceeding. Recent federal case law indicates that the journalist has no choice but to testify or go to jail (or face significant, often personal, fines). The Free Flow of Information Act will make things, in a word: better. The Free Flow of Information Act is an evenhanded bill which is long overdue. Five years of intense review, discussion, negotiation, amendment and, then, more amendment, have produced legislation that completely balances the societal interest in having witnesses testify when absolutely necessary to the resolution of a civil or criminal case with the equally important interest in protecting the newsgathering process consistent with the First Amendment. The legislation is a practical-minded approach to this delicate balancing act. We believe it effectiv
