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April 28, 2025 – USA –
The News/Media Alliance has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to rescind protections that previously barred prosecutors from subpoenaing journalists to reveal confidential sources in leak investigations. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s April 2025 memo reverses the Biden-era policy, allowing the DOJ to compel journalists to disclose sources when reporting on government leaks.
Danielle Coffey, President and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, criticized the move, stating that it undermines journalistic integrity and could deter whistleblowers from coming forward. She emphasized that the previous guidelines protected media across the political spectrum and that their removal poses a threat to press freedom.
The DOJ’s new policy includes procedural safeguards, such as requiring the Attorney General’s approval and advance notice to journalists before subpoenas are issued. However, media advocacy groups argue that these measures are insufficient and could lead to self-censorship among journalists and their sources.
In response to the policy change, the News/Media Alliance is advocating for legislative protections, including the reintroduction of the Journalist Protection Act. This bill aims to make it a federal crime to intentionally harm or intimidate journalists, thereby strengthening safeguards for press freedom.
The reversal of DOJ policy has sparked concern among press freedom organizations, which warn that it could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism and the public’s right to know. As the debate continues, the News/Media Alliance and other advocates are calling for renewed commitment to protecting journalists and their sources.
Reference –
https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/doj-subpoena-reversal-statement/
