NMA Fights For Reinstating Source Protections

The News/Media Alliance has strongly opposed the reversal of a Biden-era policy that prohibited the Department of Justice (DOJ) from subpoenaing journalists to reveal their sources in leak investigations.

Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, stated, “The News/Media Alliance steadfastly defends the journalistic process, including the protection of reporters’ sources. Reversing the DOJ’s guidelines undermines press freedom and hampers the media’s ability to cover vital stories that impact millions of Americans across all walks of life.”

Coffey emphasized that press freedom transcends partisan divides, noting, “Both parties have a stake in safeguarding it. While we acknowledge the need to protect classified information, stripping away these protections is a misguided approach to addressing leaks.”

Last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that prosecutors would be authorized to issue subpoenas and search warrants to identify leakers, according to the Associated Press.

Coffey pledged that the News/Media Alliance would work with the administration to reinstate the repealed policy and collaborate with Congress to pass the PRESS Act, which would provide journalists with legal protections against government overreach.

The Alliance is not alone in its criticism. Katherine Jacobsen, U.S., Canada, and Caribbean program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, warned, “This decision severely restricts reporters’ ability to shield their sources, which is critical for covering issues of public importance.”