“In a world where information is power, the role of reporters as truth-seekers and watchdogs cannot be understated,” Republican Sen. The PRESS Act would solve for that by enshrining protections into federal law. But those rules, adopted by the DOJ, could be reversed under another administration. In the aftermath of the revelations of the secret seizures, Attorney General Merrick Garland adopted formal regulations prohibiting such actions, leaving a carveout for only very exceptional circumstances. The move to tighten protections for journalists comes after the Department of Justice, under disgraced former President Donald Trump, secretly seized records from reporters at news organizations, including CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union have also backed the legislation. The PRESS Act enjoys broad support in the journalism community, with strong endorsements from a number of trade organizations that represent most major news organizations, including the News/Media Alliance, Radio Television Digital News Association, and National Association of Broadcasters. “Its definition of journalist is broad, its exceptions are narrow and targeted, and it restricts subpoenas directed not only to journalists but to their phone and email providers.” “The PRESS Act is the strongest federal shield bill for journalists we’ve ever seen,” Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in a statement. Second, it would ensure that important data held by a third party, such as a phone or internet company, cannot be seized without notice and providing the ability to challenge the move in court.
First, it would prevent the government from compelling reporters from being forced to disclose their sources.
The legislation, which passed the House last year but did not get a vote in the Senate, would safeguard journalists in two important ways. Journalists could soon enjoy greater protections under federal law.Ī bipartisan group of US senators and congressmen united this week to reintroduce the Protect Reporters from Exploitive State Spying Act, or as it is more commonly known, the PRESS Act.
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