News Releases

RTNDA Urges Members to Ask Senators to Support Free Flow of Information Act

Washington -- The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote tomorrow on S 448: The Free Flow of Information Act. The Radio Television News Directors Association supports the bipartisan bill and has asked its members to contact their senators before Thursday’s vote to urge them to vote for the bill as proposed and to oppose any amendments that would significantly weaken the protections the legislation would afford journalists.

Shield laws exist in most states already. The Free Flow of Information Act would protect the rights of journalists and allow them to protect confidential sources. RTNDA has worked with a coalition of journalism organizations to support S 448 and to extend the same protection on a federal level. 

RTNDA Chairman Stacey Woelfel sent a message to all members of RTNDA yesterday urging them to take action by contacting members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Woelfel said, “Currently, most states already protect this right of journalists.  But federal lawmakers have been reluctant to grant the same protection from federal subpoenas and other action. This bipartisan effort would remedy that, changing many years of policy that work against good reporting.”

About RTNDA

RTNDA is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism. RTNDA represents local and network journalists in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries. Along with the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation, RTNDA sponsors scholarships, fellowships, training seminars, mentoring programs and more as part of its diversity efforts.