Senate, White House agree on reporter protections - Yahoo! News

Senate, White House agree on reporter protections - Yahoo! News: "By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer Jim Abrams, Associated Press Writer – Sat Oct 31, 4:22 am ET
WASHINGTON – The White House, key senators and media representatives have reached a compromise on legislation to protect reporters from being forced to disclose their confidential sources in federal court.
Senate supporters of the so-called media shield bill said Friday that the deal gives the government authority to override those rights in certain national security cases.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the agreement 'strikes the right balance between national security concerns and the public's right to know.' He said it would preserve a strong defense for reporters trying to protect sources while making sure the government can do its job of protecting citizens.
The Senate Judiciary Committee could take up the altered legislation next week.
Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and a member of the media team involved in the negotiations, said they were strongly recommending that the larger media coalition backing reporter protections endorse the agreement."