The Reporter's Privilege

There is a need of a reporter's privilege in today's society so that journalists can fully bring their readers the truth. Sometimes the only way to collect credible sources is to agree to keep a source secret. This helps reporters to gather accurate information that otherwise wouldn't be accessible. The purpose of a reporter's privilege is to give journalists rights to keep important sources information private from the government or courts. This helps reporters maintain the confidential sources trust and continue to provide the public with the truth. After all, a reporter is nothing without its sources. As the slide said at the panel discussion, "A reporter's sources are the one treasure he cannot live without."

Who is a journalist?

In a world where the web is wide open for people to post their opinions at their convenience, there has been a question posted as to who is considered a journalist. It seems impossible to proclaim that anyone who types an account of their experiences and observations online could be labeled and held to the position of a journalist. While anyone can voice their opinion in blogs or other online applications that are made accessible to people through out the entire world, not any one of the bloggers can claim the status of journalist.

To be a journalist, there are rules that must be observed as in any other profession. A major difference between these citizens who acknowledge their right to the practice what is stated in the first amendment and those that are trained to work as a journalist for a pronounced newspaper, magazine, news channel, or website is merely the backing an opinion with sources. While there is clearly bias in all news sources, there is facts and research to back the ideas of the journalist. Most opinions posted by adamant bloggers is their opinion alone.

While a journalist respects everyone and their privacy, their first priority and obligation is to bring truth to the people. A journalist is someone who works for the people. Not everyone has that obligation that is posting their stories on the web. Everyone can share their opinion and stories with the world, but not everyone can be called a journalist.