Quinnipiac University journalism professor Rich Hanley comments on two troubling incidents which involve government intrusion into the media.
The federal Justice Department subpoenaed telephone records from Associated Press reporters and bureaus while investigating a leak of confidential information. Media organizations across the country have decried the move by federal officials as an overreach and violating the First Amendment.
Meanwhile in Connecticut, lawmakers met in secret to draft legislation that would prohibit the release of documents related to the investigation into the Newtown elementary school shooting. Audio recordings of 911 calls and photographs of the crime scene would not be released under the state’s Freedom of Information laws if the legislation passes.