New Media Shield Law: Does Not Protect WikiLeaks or Independent BloggersMadison Ruppert Many current and former government officials have expressed contempt for anything even remotely resembling investigative journalism, as seen in the case of a former Obama adviser who argued that Glenn Greenwald is not a journalist. Even media professionals have expressed similar opinions, with one senior journalist for Time saying he cant wait to justify a drone strike on Julian Assange of WikiLeaks. The definition of who can be considered a journalist was heavily debated in the Judiciary Committee this summer. At the time, multiple senators, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) were concerned that a shield law could be used to protect WikiLeaks and similar groups. The world has changed. Were very careful in this bill to distinguish journalists from those who shouldnt be protected, WikiLeaks and all those, and weve ensured that, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said at the time, according to Politico. But there are people who write and do real journalism, in different ways than were used to. They should not be excluded from this bill. However, the new amendment to the legislation, brokered by Schumer, indeed limits the protection significantly. Under the bill, a journalist would be defined as an individual who is in contract with or employed by a media outlet for at least one year within the last 20 years or three months within the last five years. That would leave out anyone who only works as unpaid journalist outside of what the government would consider a traditional media outlet. Indeed, as the Electronic Frontier Foundation noted: One positive aspect of the law is that it would protect any person deemed appropriate by a federal judge so long as the newsgathering practices of that person have been consistent with the law. Unfortunately, that leaves the call up to a federal judge. If the journalist happens to be exposing corruption in the federal court system, that wouldnt necessarily be an appealing arrangement. Above all this, there is something even more troubling about the whole proceeding. As Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) rightly pointed out, the fact that the Senate is even debating who can be considered real reporters and legitimate journalists should be chilling to us all. However, Cornyn apparently didnt have a problem doing just that: Indeed, it is quite obviously flawed given that it would remove protection when journalists most need it in cases involving national security. Id love to hear your opinion, take a look at your story tips and even your original writing if you would like to get it published. I am also available for interviews on radio, television or any other format. Please email me at Admin@EndtheLie.com Please support alternative news and help us start paying contributors by donating, doing your shopping through our Amazon link or check out some must-have products at our store. This article first appeared at End the Lie. 