Criminal defendants served more subpoenas on the news media than anyone else, with a total of 223 reported (46 percent of criminal subpoenas and 27 percent of all subpoenas). Prosecutors issued 206 subpoenas to the responding news media outlets (43 percent of criminal subpoenas and 25 percent of all subpoenas).

One broadcaster, in San Antonio, Texas, had so many subpoenas from a local prosecutor that it had to institute a new policy. "We have begun charging the [District Attorney] for copies of tapes of material that we actually broadcast in our newscast," said Greg Koelfgen of KABB-TV. The station instituted the fees "in hope it would slow the number [of] requests and to account for tapes/man hours required to make dubs," he wrote.

Law enforcement officials issued 22 subpoenas (5 percent of criminal subpoenas and 3 percent of all subpoenas) in 2001. Respondents did not identify a source for 33 subpoenas (7 percent of criminal subpoenas) served in conjunction with criminal proceedings.

In civil cases, news organizations reported that plaintiffs issued 91 subpoenas (31 percent), while defendants issued 79 (27 percent). Responding media did not identify a source for the remaining 125 (42 percent).

Administrative agencies issued four subpoenas (less than 1 percent). Private individuals issued three subpoenas in administrative proceedings, with the source of one administrative subpoena remaining unidentified.