Hawaii panel OKs shield law with broad definition of 'journalist,' drops reference to SPJ ethics code

Journalists in Hawaii would get clear, statutory protection from having to reveal sources, under a measure approved by a state legislative committee Tuesday. The shield law would cover both traditional and online journalists, by applying to reporters who disseminate news in the "substantial public interest," as well as those who have ever worked in the news media.

"Lawmakers abandoned an idea that would have defined a journalist as someone who complies with the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics after the organization protested having its standard of conduct used to define who qualifies," reports Mark Niesse of The Associated Press."The measure contains exceptions that would require journalists to give in to the courts if they're a witness to or participant in a criminal activity." (Read more)