Virginia law § 19.2-271.5 protects journalists and news organizations by safeguarding the confidentiality of sources who provide information under a promise of privacy. It defines key terms such as journalism, news organization, newsperson, and protected information, emphasizing the importance of source confidentiality in journalistic practices. The law aims to support free press activities by preventing the compelled disclosure of source identities.
It protects the confidentiality of sources who provide information to newspersons under a promise or agreement of privacy.
A newsperson is someone who engages in journalism for a news organization, either as a primary activity or in a supervisory role, for substantial financial gain or livelihood.
They include newspapers, magazines, recognized press associations, licensed radio or TV stations, and media businesses engaged in journalism with recognized memberships or longstanding operation since 1994 or earlier.
Yes, it generally protects the identity of sources from compelled disclosure, supporting journalistic independence and source trust.