US: bloggers protected under journalists status?

Posted by Jean Yves Chainon on May 7, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Kim Pearson, from the Online Journalism Review, reports on the Free Flow of Information Act recently proposed to both the Senate and Congress. The bill would expand the definition of journalists to news-gathering bloggers and offer them a similar federal shield law.
Few specifics have been given about the bill, but “such a bill would require a federal judge to approve a subpoena for confidential source information,” reports the Columbia Journalism Review.

Until now, bloggers were protected provided they worked for a newsgathering organization – which often meant they were already journalists. The new bill could eventually extend legal protection to bloggers who aren’t affiliated to a newsgathering company.

Should bloggers be given the same legal status and protection as journalists? What would the specific criteria be to accredit bloggers, and who would be responsible for deciding on the demination? A recent proposition in France raised the same issues.

If you know more about the bill or if you have any ideas, please share them with us. Click below for links about this discussion.

Source: Online Journalism Review

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7 Comments

Mary King said:

I have sent three cheques to the new Irish daily mail, for items ear-rings(have received) dvd films x10, (did not receive), perfume(did not receive), included the tokens also. will I receive them shortly?
Thanks
Msry King

Colette Pappin said:

I ordered part one of their Spanish course using their premium number and one month later I am still waiting for the CD. My emails have been ignored. Is this how the Irish Daily Mail is funding their operation or can I expect to receive my CD soon?

Vicky Lawon said:

I ordered a set of Royal Doultan china which i have still not received and spent month after month buying the newspaper every day to collect the tokens!

Jenesi Fiken said:

I odered royal dulton set but haven't received it yet. I even phone for priory order. Please send me my set i cant wait anymore

paddy coleman said:

i sent postal order and tokens for wildlife dvds on 02/10/06 but i never received dvds or my money back........whats going on?

Grainnr O Connor said:

I am writing in connection of the Royal Dulton glassware on which I collected the correct amount of tokens and I haven’t heard any thing about them since.

On June 21st 2006 I enclosed a postal money order for 13.99 and the correct amount of tokens for the Royal Dulton glassware offer. I just haven’t heard anything about them, it has been five months without a reply or confirmation of my money and tokens.

I would like if you would let me know when I will receive my glasses.

Grainne O Connor

margaret ryder said:


Please can you tell me why ,so many times the supplements are missing on a Sat
I buy my paper at the Spar shop in Rosslare
Margaret Ryder

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