Such negotiations usually consisted of informing those attorneys of the existence of state shield laws that protect journalists' materials from compelled disclosure, making an offer to partially comply by providing previously published materials only, or agreeing to verify that published materials were accurate. One subpoena from a defense attorney we complied with after the news director told him we would comply so far as material used on the air. We complied only with subpoenas for published materials. The attorney usually withdraws the request for unpublished materials. But even where contacting the subpoenaing party up front does not lead to the retraction of the subpoena, it may narrow the subpoena's scope, saving time and effort.
Most subpoenas are of a broad and general nature.
They usually cooperate, but it's still an inconvenience. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. All rights reserved. To order the print edition of this report, see our online order form .