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Journalists in Hot Water

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photoUnder the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982, it is a crime for anyone who has access to classified information to disclose intentionally information identifying a covert agent.

At least five reporters have been subpoenaed for refusing to reveal who leaked the name of Valerie Plame, wife of retired Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV, as a CIA covert operative in July 2003. Two of them, including NY Times reporter Judith Miller, are being held in contempt of court and could face 18 months in jail. The journalism world is shaken up but the government says it needs to get to the bottom of its case.

Hear from reporter Judith Miller about her case, as well as perspectives from both sides of the First Amendment law debate on journalists facing jail time for keeping confidences.

Guests:

Tom Scocca, press columnist for the New York Observer

Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr., chairman and publisher of The New York Times.

Judith Miller, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the New York Times. She covers national security, with special emphasis on terrorism, the Middle East and weapons of mass destruction

Geoffrey Stone, law professor, University of Chicago Law School. He is former provost at the University of Chicago. He served on the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union, Illinois Division. He is author of, "Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime."

Ed Baker, law professor, University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is author of "Media, Markets and Democracy."

This program aired on October 15, 2004.

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