'Investigative Blogger' Doesn't Get Journalist's Protection, Portland Judge Rules

Ronda
Here's one view from an acutal working journalist: Most every day, I receive "stories" from people who believe I should just publish what they tell me based on what they call a credible source. It sounds as if Crystal Cox did the exact same thing. Those of you who believe she didn't get a fair shake turn it around and put yourself in the position of target. The Internet has opened up of the field to anyone who wants to post anything about you, me, and anyone else. Thus far, it's allowed without restrictions. But the day was bound to come when individuals who have been targeted by bloggers challenge them in a courtroom. Journalists always know the possibility is there -- and our first defense is not "freedom of the press." We you're writing information that puts a person in a bad light or even a criminal light, not matter how beneficial it is to being the corruption "before the public" you'd better be sure you can defend your information in court. It comes with the territory. Crystal Cox claimed she is a journalist, which puts authority and credibility, and thus, "fact" behind every word she writes. Frankly, I disgree with attorney Duane Bosworth. This ruling does not threaten legitimate newspaper websites because the aritcles on our websites are the same that are published on our pages and we are prepared to defend every word. Credible journalists also confirm facts through more than one source, something Crystal Cox did not do. This is especially important when the information suggests or outright says someon engaged in criminal activity. This court case is a good lesson for individuals who just want to vent their spleen in a blog. Take responsibility for every word you write and be prepared to defend it. Bloggers are free to write what they want, that's America. But blogging does not, and should not, automatically put you in journalist's category with full protection under freedom of the "press." The Internet has and continues to change how we assemilate the news, but there also is so much false information and items that are just plain made up -- we should step back and consider the protection to ALL of us, innocent and guilty, before becoming too critical over a judgement like this one.
Bloggers as "journalists"
12/8/2011