Good Afternoon . . .
There is an intersting article in US News and World Report about the affect of the blogsphere on politics.
In the 2004 election cycle blogs and bloggers were cherred and blamed for the rise and fall of Howard Dean, for Howard Dean's ability to raise funds, for the Swift Boat verterans, and for John Kerry's loss in the Presidential election.
Blogs and bloogers have also been cheered and blamed for the demise of Dan Rather and CBS News, and the downfall and resignation of CNN's Eason Jordan.
It is a little hard to find, but well worth reading.
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In case anyone is interested, the National Hockey League season has been cancelled.
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The fallout continues from the fedral court ruling that upheld a lower court that said reporters do NOT have a First Amendment right to refuse to testify and reveal sorces to a federa; grand jury.
The news industry is pinning its hopes on a fedrral shield law. There are currently two proposals in Congress that would apply shield protection to reporters similar to laws in 31 states.
These laws protect reporters from prosecution for refusing to reveal sources to law enforcement, grand juries, and at trial. These laws often prevent indictments and prosecution of serious offenders including murderers and rapists.
In Wake of Plame Ruling, Federal Shield Law Seen as Best Hope
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The US House passed a law that would substantially increase fines for indenceny broadcast on US radio and televison stations.
In addition to increased fines, the legislation allows the FCC to fine an individual or staion without prior warning and can hold a revocation hearing after the third offense.
The new law requires the FCC to answer a consumer's complaint within six months.
It is likely that this law will not go into affect for months or years. Opponents of the law will liekly seek refuge in the federal court system.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: AP - Washington, D.C.: Highlights: House's indecency legislation
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More tomorrow in the Morning Briefing.
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