Topic: News Gathering

Senator Richard Blumenthal proposed a bill that would make it a federal crime to threaten or attack journalists during news-gathering operations. The legislation broadly defines "news gathering" to include photography, book writing, and digital media. Critics questioned how the law would apply to "Instagram influencers" and whether it would protect citizens from police interference.

The Journalist Protection Act (HR 4935) proposes making physical assault against journalists a federal crime with penalties of up to six years in prison. However, the bill's legal definition of a "journalist" appears to favor employees of large broadcast and print organizations, potentially excluding independent podcasters and digital creators. The hosts express concern that this creates a protected class of "approved" media figures.

A discussion on the evolution of journalistic corrections in the digital age, contrasting the traditional print model with real-time internet reporting. While some argue for "slipstream" changes to articles, major outlets like the Washington Post continue to append lengthy lists of corrections to the end of digital posts.