MarketingVOX: An updated bill working its way through Congress could extend immunity protection to bloggers engaged in enterprise journalism, reports CNET.
Amendments to the Free Flow of Information Act would expand the definition of those eligible for protection against divulging confidential sources. The bill will drop references to specific media and define journalists by their practices rather than their outlets.
While authors of the changes are not seeking to create a carte blanche for any self-fashioned reporter, the language is intentionally vague, leaving the burden primarily on courts to decide, case by case, who is covered and who is not.
Proponents of the bill admit that the vague language could lead to abuse by those engaging in unethical practices. Nonetheless, there remains an optimism in the courts’ ability to develop a better yardstick for journalistic practices over time.
Image courtesy of HectorCasanova.net.
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