The federal shield law for journalists is now blocked due to Sen. Tom Cotton’s, R-Ark., actions, which has significant implications for journalist protections. Journalists are worried about the lack of legal protections, which could hinder investigative journalism.
Without a shield law, journalists face increased risks in their reporting efforts. Cotton said that the “liberal media” as he put it doesn’t “deserve more protections.” He also stated that the protections in the proposed law shouldn’t be afforded to any citizen, “least of all the media.”