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Klobuchar Calls for National "Shield Law" to Protect Journalists and Free Flow of Information

Meets with journalism leaders to discuss free press priorities and support for bipartisan bill

July 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with leaders of the Society of Professional Journalists today and affirmed her support for national legislation to protect journalists and their sources from unwarranted legal interference in the newsgathering process. The Free Flow of Information Act, cosponsored by Klobuchar, would protect journalists from being compelled to testify or reveal confidential sources in legal proceedings and government investigations unless a judge finds a compelling need, such as when their evidence would prevent terrorist acts or violent harm to individuals.

“A free press is fundamental to a free society,” Klobuchar said. “This bipartisan measure will provide journalists with reasonable protections so that they can continue to serve as the public’s eyes and ears.”

Klobuchar met with eight members of the Society of Professional Journalists, including President-elect Dave Aeikens of the St. Cloud Times in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She said democracy depends on an informed public and the free flow of information, and that in turn depends on journalists being able to gather information without the fear of legal hazard.

Currently, 49 states have “shield laws” protecting journalists and their sources in state legal proceedings, but there is no federal statute to give journalists and their sources protection from federal proceedings.

The bill’s other bipartisan sponsors include Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Jim Webb (D-VA).

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