Media shield bill still stuck in Senate

A bill to protect reporters from being forced to reveal their sources is still stalled.

Though already passed by the House, the Free Flow of Information Act (HR 985 / S 448) remains stuck in the Senate Judiciary Committee, despite a recent push by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.).

The committee was going to discuss the bill today but got bogged down on debate over health care, according to CQ reporter Keith Perine.

Congress has considered versions of the bill since 2005. It would protect paid journalists from subpoenas by federal prosecutors who want to look at their notes or find out who their off-the-record sources were.

The most prominent recent example was former New York Times reporter Judith Miller, whose refusal to talk with prosecutors led to a brief jail stint and inspired a Hollywood movie.

Media groups supportthe law, which is a variation of state laws already in place. But some Republicans have said the bill is not necessary and could hamper legitimate investigations.

-- Ryan Teague Beckwith, Congress.org

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