WASHINGTON, D.C.-

OFF THE WIRE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, a Senate panel formed by Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted 13-5 to move forward with legislation aimed at codifying the definition of a “covered journalist,” effectively establishing which Americans deserve protection from the First Amendment — and which don’t.

Cloaked under the guise of “protecting” selected journalists from having to divulge the identities of their confidential sources, the so-called “media shield” law has the support of both high-ranking government officials as well as many members of the established media. Those in power in Washington agree that journalists deserve legal protection, but only if they get to decide who is a real reporter. While lawmakers decide who should and should not be considered a “real” journalist, one thing appears certain – bloggers and online media outlets are not held in high regard.

“Is any blogger out there saying anything — do they deserve First Amendment protection?
– Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

“What is a journalist today, in 2013? We know its someone who works for Fox or AP, but does it include a blogger? Does it include someone tweeting? Are these people journalists and entitled to constitutional protection? We need to ask 21st century questions about a provision in our constitution that was written over 200 years ago.”
-- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)

READ MORE: www.policestateusa.com/2013/feds-move-to-limit-who-is-a-covered-journalist-deserving-constitutional-protection