1A 'If You Can Keep It': The Press And The PRESS Act
Dec 2, 2024
Seth Stern, Director of Advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, joins media correspondent Sarah Fisher and veteran investigative journalist Catherine Herridge. They delve into the crucial need for the PRESS Act, which protects journalists from revealing confidential sources under government pressure. The discussion highlights the alarming challenges faced in securing press freedoms amidst political turmoil. Personal stories about the legal battles for source protection underscore the urgency of this bipartisan legislation to safeguard democracy and journalistic integrity.
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Past Presidential Targeting of Journalists
- Donald Trump targeted journalists reporting on alleged Russian hacks of Hillary Clinton's emails.
- Other administrations, including Obama and Bush, also targeted journalists and their sources.
Catherine Herridge's Case
- Investigative journalist Catherine Herridge faces fines for protecting sources in a 2017 national security story.
- Herridge emphasizes the importance of confidentiality for accountability journalism.
Importance of Confidential Sources
- Confidential sources were crucial for exposing defects in the Russia collusion case.
- Protecting sources is vital, especially regarding politically sensitive investigations.