Bill Introduced To Extend Journalist Shield Law To Bloggers

New York State Senator Thomas Duane has introduced a bill to shield bloggers in the same way as journalists are shielded against contempt charges. Professional journalists are no longer required to disclose their sources of information.

Albany, New York - The bill, S8746, (enter the bill number and check the 'text' box) was introduced by New York State Senator Thomas Duane, who believes that bloggers should also be shielded in the same manner as professional journalists. Citing a Bronx grand jury subpoena this year that tried to identify anonymous writers on the Room 8 blog, the Manhattan Democrat says the subpoena threatened the bloggers with jail time if they publicly disclosed its existence. It was later withdrawn. As the law currently reads, all professional reporters are shielded from having to give up their sources of information and can not be held on contempt of court charges. The new bill adds (items in bold lettering):

(6) ...wire service or web log or

other professional medium or agency...

and:

(9) "Web log" shall mean a website or webpage that contains an online

journal containing news, comments and offers hyperlinks provided by the

professional journalist or newscaster.

Sen. Thomas Duane believes that placing contempt of court charges against bloggers would have a "chilling effect" on blogger's rights to free speech.