From The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction):

Like most newspapers, we are strong advocates for shield laws that provide some protections for journalists who play a critical role in American-style democracy: to inform so the people can self-govern.

Pushing for these protections is not a narrow self-interest. A free press is necessary to act as a watchdog for our government, but it can’t do its job if the government can intimidate reporters. Anyone who values transparency in government should support the concept of reporter’s privilege.

Colorado is among 49 states and the District of Columbia that protect journalists if a state government seeks to make them reveal confidential information. We were disappointed when a freshman Republican’s bill to strengthen Colorado’s shield law failed to clear the Senate Judiciary Committee in January. Had it passed, it would have raised the threshold for authorities to compel a reporter to reveal sources or hand over notes.

Still, we’re thankful that Colorado at least has a law. There is not a current shield statute to cover any matters that arise under federal law. A reporter who exposes illegal or criminal activities while covering a federal agency has no shield from government coercion when federal investigators come calling.

Visit The Daily Sentinel for more.