RTDNA condemns reported DOJ effort to subpoena New York Times journalists over confidential sources

RTDNA President and CEO Tara Puckey released the following statement regarding the Department of Justice's reported decision to subpoena journalists at The New York Times in an effort to compel testimony about confidential sources:

"The Radio Television Digital News Association strongly condemns the Department of Justice’s reported decision to subpoena journalists at The New York Times in an attempt to compel testimony about confidential sources. Journalists have an obligation to seek and report the truth and to hold the government accountable to voters and taxpayers. That often means obtaining information from people with access to privileged information while promising anonymity. The First Amendment protects a free press, and that means protecting how journalists do their jobs. Period. Not when it’s convenient. Not when the story makes the government look good. Especially when it doesn’t."