Monday, June 27, 2005
INBA Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling on Confidential Sources
NEWS BROADCASTERS DISAPPOINTED BY SUPREME COURT RULING ON CIA LEAK/CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES
Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) President Steve Scott released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the appeals of two journalists (Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper) who refused to testify before a grand jury about the leak of a CIA agent’s identity:
“The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is very disappointing, and is a setback for journalists across the country. A reporter must be able to assure his or her confidential sources that their names will not be revealed…period. Matt Cooper and Judy Miller now face possible jail time. Their only crimes: Doing their jobs and keeping their word.
Think about the many important stories that would never have come to light, had reporters not been able to assure confidential sources that their name(s) would not be revealed.
Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court further illustrates the need for a National Shield Law that would protect journalists who protect their confidential sources.”
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The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, founded in 1955, is made up of broadcast journalists from across Illinois, and serves as a watchdog for the First Amendment and other press freedoms.
