FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ATTORNEY
Friday, July 12, 2013
Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Justice Department Report on Revised Media Guidelines
After conducting a rigorous review of internal Justice Department guidelines governing investigations and other law enforcement matters that involve journalists, Attorney General Eric Holder today released a report outlining several key reforms to the department’s protocols, as well as the following statement:
“The Department of Justice is firmly committed to ensuring our nation’s security, and protecting the American people, while at the same time safeguarding the freedom of the press. These revised guidelines will help ensure the proper balance is struck when pursuing investigations into unauthorized disclosures. While these reforms will make a meaningful difference, there are additional protections that only Congress can provide. For that reason, we continue to support the passage of media shield legislation. I look forward to working with leaders from both parties to achieve this goal, and am grateful to all of the journalists, free speech advocates, experts, and Administration leaders who have come together in recent weeks – in good faith, and with mutual respect – to guide and inform the changes we announce today.”
During the review, Attorney General Holder personally held seven meetings with approximately 30 news media organizations as well as with First Amendment groups, media industry associations and academic experts.
A copy of the full Justice Department report may be obtained at U.S. Department of Justice website.
