Issue Should there be restrictions on the media's ability to disclose potentially sensitive information to the public? Starter Walt Handelsman, "We're Winning, They're Losing . . . No Film At Eleven" (political cartoon) [This cartoon responds to a White House request, made in October 2001, that newspapers and television networks refrain from publishing in their entirety statements made by Osama bin Laden or members of the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Part of the concern expressed by the White House was that these statements could contain coded messages relating to possible future attacks. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said, "At best, Osama bin Laden's message is propaganda, calling on people to kill Americans. At worst, he could be issuing orders to his followers to initiate such attacks."] Focus Questions To what extent should the media balance the "newsworthiness" of an event with the possible national security interests that may be raised by reporting on the event? Do you think decisions on the appropriate balance between newsworthiness and national security should be left to the media? The First Amendment provides that "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom . . . of the press." The amendment does not, however, prohibit government officials from encouraging the press to refrain from reporting on possibly sensitive information. In what circumstances, if any, do you think it is appropriate for government officials to request that members of the press voluntarily restrict their news reports? Throughout American history, the press has played an important role in providing the public with the information it needs to assess the decisions made by our elected officials. In what instances, if any, do you think the public's right to know might be outweighed by national security or other compelling government interests? Suggested Resources The National Coalition Against Censorship, "Free Expression After September 11 - An Online Index" Mona Charen, "Loose Lips Sink Ships" TomPaine.com, "Independence and Skepticism: The Patriotic Duty of the Press" Mike Madden, "White House asks media to limit reporting of al-Qaida statements" More resources for this topic Starters for this topic: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  All (.pdf) Note: The views expressed here have not been approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, and accordingly, should not be construed as representing the policy of the American Bar Association, nor do they represent the official position or policies of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education.