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Reporters to testify at murder trial

Feb 18, 2007 - Posted by Dean Jobb
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Three Edmonton newspaper reporters who interviewed Thomas Svekla have been ordered to testify at his trial on charges of murdering two prostitutes. In a press release, the Canadian Association of Journalists condemns the move as a threat to journalists' independence. Edmonton Journal editor-in-chief Allan Mayer warns it will have "a chilling effect on our ability to do stories."

Comments

Submitted by n/a (not verified) on February 9, 2006 - 7:00pm.
Uh... I guess that'd only be "important information" screened by the police chief?
Submitted by n/a (not verified) on February 14, 2006 - 8:00am.
Indeed. One of the "trends" I am noticing in St. John's (and I guess its common in other smaller markets) is the public perception of the role of the news media in society. So many special interest groups (including government agencies such as the police) are of the opinion that we are some sort of free public information service for their personal cause, political agenda or "brilliant" new business venture. With a powerful group such as the police it is more dangerous and cynical as they now only regard the news media as a new "tool" for law enforcement. Greg

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