Klobuchar Sponsors Reporters Shield Law

During remarks to the National Association of Broadcasters Tuesday, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for a national reporter shield law. Klobuchar is a sponsor of the bipartisan Free Flow of Information Act, which would protect journalists and their sources from unwarranted legal interference in the news gathering process.

The Minnesota Democrat told a gathering of local broadcasters in Washington, DC that democracy depends on an informed public and the free flow of information, and that in turn depends on journalists being able to gather information without fear. The bill is designed to provide journalists with reasonable protections so that they can continue to serve as the public's eyes and ears.

The Free Flow of Information Act would protect journalists from being compelled to testify or reveal confidential sources in legal proceedings and government investigations unless a judge finds a compelling need, such as when their evidence would prevent terrorist acts or violent harm to individuals.