Feb. 17, 2005

Contact:
Melanie Hall
Finance and Administration Manager
UNITY
(703) 854-3585
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Latest Federal Court Ruling On First Amendment Rights A Blow Against All Journalists

ARLINGTON , Va. (Feb. 17, 2005) – UNITY: Journalists of Color is deeply concerned that one of the basic tenets of our democracy, that of the freedom of the press, has been threatened by a federal appeals court decision that upheld a ruling against two reporters who have refused to divulge their sources.

“This decision strikes a blow against all journalists,” said Mae Cheng, president of the alliance that represents 10,000 members of the media. “And it sends a strong message about the public’s right to know.”

Matthew Cooper of Time and Judith Miller of The New York Times face prison time for refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating the reporter’s confidential sources that may have lead to a leak of undercover CIA officer Valerie Plame's name to the media. The U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia Tuesday upheld a district court ruling that the two reporters have no First Amendment protection.

“Without the protection of the First Amendment, whistleblowers and watchdog groups may no longer risk talking to reporters,” said Cheng. “Without the protection of the First Amendment, who will protect the public's right to know?”

The Court of Appeals ruling also demonstrates the need for a federal shield law that would protect the rights of reporters to use confidential sources, according to Matt Kelley and Herbert Lowe, co-chairmen of UNITY’s policy and communication committee.

“This is an issue that impacts all journalists, regardless of race or gender,” said Kelley, who is also UNITY’s secretary. “It is at the core of what journalism is all about – seeking the truth and writing that truth.”

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About UNITY: Journalists of Color
UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a strategic alliance advocating news coverage about people of color, and aggressively challenging its organizations at all levels to reflect the nation’s diversity. UNITY, representing more than 10,000 journalists of color, is comprised of four national associations: Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the Native American Journalists Association.

In addition to planning the largest regular gathering of journalists in the nation, UNITY develops programs and institutional relationships that promote its mission. For more information on UNITY, visit www.unityjournalists.org, email info@unityjournalists.org or call (703) 854-3585.