New York Times reporter Judith Miller was freed on Sept. 29 after agreeing to provide limited testimony before the grand jury. She spent 85 days in jail for refusing to disclose or testify against her sources.

Protecting Sources is Protecting Democracy

For 85 days, New York Times reporter Judy Miller sat in jail for refusing to reveal her confidential source before a grand jury for a story she never even wrote. In the last 18 months, more than two dozen reporters have been questioned or subpoenaed about their confidential sources. This trend threatens our First Amendment freedoms and the public's right to know.

Find Out What You Can Do

Never has the need for a federal shield law protecting confidential sources been so pressing. Congress should enact the "Free Flow of Information" Act. This legislation strikes the proper balance between the public’s interest in the free dissemination of information and the public's interest in effective and fair law enforcement. In fact, a majority of states already provide protection of confidential sources with their own media shield laws. Contact your Member of Congress and encourage them to support the Free Flow of Information Act.

More Information

Have another look at the "Protecting Sources" ad or check out a complete list of signers. Find out if your senator or representative is already a cosponsor of the Free Flow of Information Act. The Free Flow of Information Act - S. 1419 and H.R. 3323 For an in-depth look at the unprecedented number of federal subpoenas, please check out our special report. Read the talking points on the Free Flow of Information Act.

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