What legal protection is available to journalists?

Journalists in Washington benefit from certain legal protections under Washington media law. The most important protection for journalists is the shield law, which protects reporters from being compelled to testify about confidential sources or news-gathering activities. This law also covers reporters who do not work for traditional news outlets and protects communication between reporters and sources. Additionally, reporters who are subpoenaed are protected from jail time if they refuse to divulge the identity of their sources. Washington also offers reporters limited protection against surveillance and search warrants. There are laws to protect reporters from disclosing unpublished information or research, including disclosing the identity of confidential sources. Additionally, a Washington statute protects reporters from disclosing confidential sources in civil cases, as long as the source has not given his or her consent. These protections are important to free speech and the free press. Journalists are often the first line of defense against those in power who wish to keep certain information secret or hidden. These legal protections guarantee that journalists are able to do their jobs without fear of persecution or retaliation from their sources or government entities.

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