Online Journalists : Right to Conceal Sources

[RoyGBiv]

Pardon if this a dupe. I ran a search and didn't turn up anything.

May 26, 2006
Huge Win for Online Journalists' Source Protection

EFF Arguments Secure Reporters' Privilege for Internet News Gatherers

San Jose - A California state appeals court ruled in favor of the Electronic Frontier Foundation's (EFF's) petition on behalf of three online journalists Friday, holding that the online journalists have the same right to protect the confidentiality of their sources as offline reporters do.

"Today's decision is a victory for the rights of journalists, whether online or offline, and for the public at large," said EFF Staff Attorney Kurt Opsahl, who argued the case before the appeals court last month. "The court has upheld the strong protections for the free flow of information to the press, and from the press to the public."

In their decision, the judges wrote: "We can think of no workable test or principle that would distinguish 'legitimate' from 'illegitimate' news. Any attempt by courts to draw such a distinction would imperil a fundamental purpose of the First Amendment, which is to identify the best, most important, and most valuable ideas not by any sociological or economic formula, rule of law, or process of government, but through the rough and tumble competition of the memetic marketplace."

http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2006_05.php#004698

[RoyGBiv]

1. Shameless kick ...

To repeat ...

"We can think of no workable test or principle that would distinguish 'legitimate' from 'illegitimate' news. Any attempt by courts to draw such a distinction would imperil a fundamental purpose of the First Amendment, which is to identify the best, most important, and most valuable ideas not by any sociological or economic formula, rule of law, or process of government, but through the rough and tumble competition of the memetic marketplace."

[Me.]

2. I'll Give You A Kick

I did a thread on this, this morning, and it sank like a stone. This is an important story, not the least so because it is an important precedent.

*shadow government*

[RoyGBiv]

3. Sorry I missed yours ...

And you're correct. This is a very important story. I must admit I am both shocked and appalled it is getting no attention whatsover even here.

Guess we should have worked in an American Idol reference.