What Is Happening Here?

I just read about a journalist that is getting a court mandated fine for not revealing a source used to expose some information about the Federal investigation into the anthrax attacks back in 2001.

Yesterday, March 10th, The Wall Street Journal reported, "A former USA Today reporter tomorrow will have to start paying hundreds, then thousands of dollars in fines, out of her own pocket, for refusing to reveal sources...Starting at midnight tomorrow, Toni Locy will have to pay $500 a day for a week, followed by $1,000 a day in the second week and $5,000 a day after that until she reveals the names of nearly a dozen sources she used in her stories, according to a contempt order filed by Federal Court Judge Reggie B. Walton." She did get some sources to release her from her confidentiality agreement but evidently there are still a few not willing to do that.

Based on that financial penalty, the court appears to be out to ruin this reporter and drive her to bankruptcy. I guess I can see why they are wanting to know since, the story evidently brought forth some pretty sensitive data and named some names. However, if this type of journalistic persecution is allowed to become common place, what's next? I think the need for journalists to keep their sources anonymous is critical to a free press. After all, isn't this to keep the government in line as intended by the founding of this country.

But here's the other side of the coin. If a reporter doesn't want to reveal their sources, what's to prove that they aren't just make up the information. Should they strive to verify the information from an anonymous source with one that is not? What if their protected and anonymously obtained information hurts someone's reputation that was actually innocent? What are the civil options available to the injured party?

This case may be a stretch as an example, BUT - just like anything else, if you chip a little away at a time, in this case it's the freedom of the press, it doesn't get noticed. When you take away large chunks of liberty, then there is an outcry. So is this a case of diminished liberty?

I have written several posts about censorship in China. This isn't as extreme but, this doesn't seem so removed and could be seen as a stepping stone.

Blogging is being seen as the new journalism, do we have to watch out what we write about?

I do have to admire the reporter for not caving under pressure. At least she has some integrity and is willing honor her agreements to the sources at great personal and financial loss.

Let me hear what YOU have to say.