The New York Press Club strongly opposes the ruling by King County, Washington Judge Nelson Lee ordering five news organizations to turn over unpublished photographs and video shot at a recent demonstration.

This ruling sets a dangerous precedent.

The media’s job is not to assist the government. The media’s job is to document events, and, if necessary, to hold the government accountable.

This ruling will also endanger the lives of journalists covering future protests. Working journalists are already being physically assaulted while doing their jobs.

Being forced to surrender unpublished materials would only put them at greater risk.

Steve Scott, First Amendment Chair
The New York Press Club

 

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