The Press: Pushing Privilege Too Far?

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But other newsmen are convinced that Lewis' resistance strains the protection of confidential sources too far. The Los Angeles Times argued editorially that KPFK could hardly protect the sources of the memo and the tape, since no one—including the station—knows who they are. Lewis' position, the paper claimed, "confuses and corrupts" the constitutional principle of freedom of the press. Indeed, the station has incurred no obligation to the S.L.A., which has cynically exploited the press for propaganda purposes. On the contrary, newsmen have the same responsibility as other citizens to assist law-enforcement officials unless special circumstances apply, such as the need to protect real confidential sources. Without firm justification for privileges, the press can hardly expect public support when it claims them.

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