By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 1-18-19
The National Association of Broadcasters has joined with other groups in the News Media for Open Government(NMOG) coalition to press the new Congress to better protect journalists, including the long-sought federal shield law that has been introduced in numerous Congresses over the past couple of decades.
In its priority statement for the 116th Congress, NMOG says its agenda includes compliance with FOIA reforms, reducing “unnecessary and costly” litigation over FOIA requests, and “ensuring that journalists are not impeded in their newsgathering practices through policies that chill the daily communications between government officials and the press.”
“NMOG is committed to promoting and advocating for policies on Capitol Hill that keep our government open and accountable to the governed,” said coalition director Melissa Wasser, in this case an “open” reference to transparency and not to the current government closure over “The Wall.”
“Journalists take seriously their duty to investigate wrongdoing and hold government institutions and elected officials accountable without fear or favor,” said NAB President Gordon Smith.
The Radio-TV Digital News Association and News Media Alliance are also members of the coalition. » Read More