From the PNA, Deborah Musselman, April 15

Commentary on the new Federal Shield Law legislation

As we reported in March, increased attention is being paid to bills in Congress, referred to as the “Federal Shield Law.” As you may be aware, we partner regularly on issues of national scope with the Newspaper Association of America (NAA). Although 31 states (including Pennsylvania) afford legal recognition of news sources, at the federal level, the reporter’s “shield” is only established under Justice Department guidelines issued in 1973. Aggressive attacks on confidentiality have resulted in the prosecution of reporters and even prison sentences.

NAA, PNA and many other press organizations are urgng members to contact their senators and representatives to ask that they co-sponsor and support H.R. 581 and S. 340, respectively. It is vital that Sen. Arlen Specter, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which is reviewing this proposal, hear from Pa. newspaper publishers and editors. To speak with Sen. Specter, call his Washington D.C. Senate office at (202) 224-4254. If the Senator is not available, please ask to speak with David Brog, Senator Specter's Chief of Staff. In addition, you may write to the Senator at 711 Hart Building, Washington DC, 20510.

Here is a background paper prepared by the NAA on the issue Briefing Paper: Federal Shield Law and suggested discussion points on the "Free Flow Information Act" Discussion Points. You may also refer to the AP article entitled Support Builds for Federal Shield Law, But Passage Unlikely This Year.

We want to track our grass roots efforts and request that you send me an e-mail or call and let us know who you spoke to and the response.

For more information, contact Deborah Musselman, PNA Director of Government Affairs at 717-703-3077 or deborahm@pa-news.org.