Why do journalists embrace the belief that confidential sources should be protected? Do you agree?

Journalists argue that a federal shield law should exist to protect them, their sources, and the information they report.  I agree that this protection should exist.

The public doesn’t always cooperate with reporters.  Let’s face it, not everybody is eager to be in the public eye.  People don’t want to be implicated in, or associated with something scandalous.  In order to avoid this unwanted attention, they keep quiet.

Sometimes instead of staying quiet, somebody will speak out.  Those who choose to speak out like the option of being able to stay anonymous.  It’s difficult enough for reporters to uncover stories now and find cooperating individuals.  Strip them of the ability to shield sources and they have the difficulty level reaches near impossible levels.

Think of Bernstien and Woodward during the Watergate Scandal.  Without the cooperation and information from deep throat they wouldn’t have been as successful.  Would deep throat have helped if he couldn’t stay anonymous?

This single reason for protecting sources is good enough.  As long as reporters are ethical and do research to substantiate claims by anonymous sources, then I don’t see a problem.