AAJA Board Endorses Federal Shield Law

The AAJA Governing Board has voted to endorse a Federal Shield Law, issuing the following statement:

"AAJA believes that the use of anonymous sources is a necessary, critical part of newsgathering. We believe journalists should not enter lightly into such agreements but when they do, they need to be protected from being forced to divulge their sources' identities and violate trust."

"It is a privilege long recognized by the courts and by statute in a majority of states. But increasingly, that right is under attack and put in jeopardy. That is why AAJA supports a national shield law, one that would strengthen journalists' ability to shed light on issues of public importance and, ultimately, ensure the public's right-to-know."

Earlier, AAJA issued a statement supporting jailed New York Times journalist Judith Miller.