The recent exposure of national security documents relating to the NSA and PRISM spying scandals is putting even more pressure on the relationship between Washington and the media.That relationship has already been strained after it emerged last month that the Department of Justice subpoenaed Associated Press reporters' phone records and tracked the comings and goings of Fox News reporter James Rosen at the State Department.
National security reporters have indicated that trusted sources are now keeping quiet over concerns they'll be targeted by the Justice Department as the source of any leaks. That kind of chill could undermine the kind of investigative journalism that keeps Washington accountable.
Will the new revelations about Edward Snowden make the government even more careful about targeting leakers? Doesn't the release of the NSA documents show that the free press is still working as intended? The Obama administration is still kicking around the idea of a press shield law to protect journalists. Would that type of law work?
Guest:
Andrew Beaujon, covers the media for Poynter Online