The head of the National Association of Broadcasters is praising the passage in the House of the Press Shield Bill.
NAB President and CEO Curtis Legeyt weighed in after the vote. (h/t All Access)
“NAB commends the House of Representatives for passing the PRESS Act with overwhelming bipartisan support,” said Legeyt.
“A free press is a necessary and vital hallmark of American democracy, enabling the unencumbered reporting of news and information that affects our communities, our nation and the world. This legislation honors the sanctity of journalists’ relationship with their sources and ensures members of the press may continue their important work without fear or favor.”
Congressmen Jamie Raskin of Maryland, John Yarmuth of Kentucky, and Ted Lieu of California introduced the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Spying Act, or PRESS. It protects journalists from having to reveal their sources.
“We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Raskin, Lieu and Yarmuth on this legislation and look forward to working with their counterparts in the Senate to pass this important bill into law.”
Most states have similar legislation protecting reporters, but there is currently no similar bill on a federal level. The House approved the PRESS Act unanimously.
