Freedom of the Press

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've been vaguely following the New York Times case, in which two reporters are being threatened with jail time for contempt of court for not revealing their anonymous CIA source for a story. After several appeals that went against them, they peititioned the Supreme Court, which declined to hear their case.

First thought...coincidence that Deep Throat was revealed in the midst of this?

Meanwhile, since jail time now seems inevitable for these reporters if the information is not turned over, Time Inc. (New York Times' parent company) has agreed to reveal the source. A good move on their part to have the action come from the company. Saves their reporters' butts (literally?) without it being THEM who revealed the source so they don't have to hurt their own integrity.

I thought the statement from Time was excellent. Very well written, simple but powerful.

In a statement, Time said it believes “the Supreme Court has limited press freedom in ways that will have a chilling effect on our work and that may damage the free flow of information that is so necessary in a democratic society.” ’
But it also said that despite its concerns, it will turn over the records to the special counsel investigating the leak.

“The same Constitution that protects the freedom of the press requires obedience to final decisions of the courts and respect for their rulings and judgments. That Time Inc. strongly disagrees with the courts provides no immunity,” the statement said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8417075/