Confidentiality of Journalistic Sources
Today’s meeting of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee ended without a vote on the Feinstein/Durbin amendment that proposes to narrow the definition of a journalist in that country’s shield law. Internationally, it’s generally recognized that providing a right to journalists to protect their sources is implicit in the concept of “freedom of expression.”
Canada is a member of the Organization of American States. And it’s Inter-American Commission on Human Rights approved a Declaration Of Principles On Freedom Of Expression. And it’s 8th principle is that: “Every social communicator has the right to keep his/her source of information, notes, personal and professional archives confidential.”
For now, a couple of Senators who oppose the bill are trying to hamper it’s passage by introducing about 25 amendments that will all have to be discussed and voted upon.
Do you agree that a journalist’s sources should be legally protected?
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