WASHINGTON – NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr today spoke at a news conference, hailing bi-partisan legislation that would create a federal shield law to protect journalists and their confidential sources.
The Free Flow of Information Act of 2007 was introduced by Representatives Rick Boucher (D-VA), John Conyers (D-MI), Mike Pence (R-IN), Howard Coble (R-NC), Greg Walden (R-OR) and John Yarmuth (D-KY) in the House. Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Pete Domenici (R-NM) are co-sponsoring identical legislation in the Senate.
"Broadcast journalists have a rich history of keeping citizens informed with timely investigative reporting on issues of critical importance to the nation," said Rehr. "NAB looks forward to working with Congress to ensure that reporters retain access to confidential sources without fear of prosecutorial reprisal."
A working alliance of more than 40 media companies and journalistic organizations, including NAB, also applauded the bill's reintroduction today.
As of today, 32 states and the District of Columbia have adopted reporter shield laws. This bill would create a federal standard for protecting journalists and their confidential sources, ensuring a free flow of information to the public.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.
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