With this law, online journalists and broadcasters can no longer be compelled to reveal their source.

All of us want to keep abreast of current events. And newspapers obviously, do that fantastic job of informing us about the latest goings on. Of course, we want news that is accurate, bold and true. That is why it is imperative that the source is reliable. Thanks to this 73-year-old law, Republic Act 53 affords protection to that source. Its Section 1 reads “The publisher, editor or duly accredited reporter of any newspaper, magazine or periodical of general circulation cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news report, unless the court or a House or committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the interest of the State.” This was approved on 5 October 1946. This gives the much needed courage for the source to bring the truth out, knowing that his identity will not be revealed. This law was later amended on 15 June 1956 by Republic Act 1477 to include a columnist. But note that both laws protect only the publisher, editor, columnist or reporter of print media. They do not cover online and broadcast journalists. Understandably, no protection could not be accorded then to online journalists as such was inexistent at that time.

With the advent of the Internet, news has found its way of being broadcast online. In fact, nowadays, I no longer read the newspaper hard copy. Instead I just open the news apps on my phone or laptop, just like many of us. Parenthetically, I seem to find less and less brick and mortar newsstands selling hard copies nowadays. Yes, everything seems to have migrated to the Internet now. So, with this, there is a void in the law. An online journalist or broadcaster can be compelled to reveal his source since Republic Acts 53 and 1477 cannot and do not cover him. I am quite certain that a source will be hesitant to be interviewed for fear that he may be exposed. And with that dilemma, our online journalists are at a huge disadvantage. They cannot be as effective as print journalists who can give better, more accurate and fearless news.

This apparent disability has been cured with the passage of Republic Act 11458. Approved on 30 August 2019, its Section 1 mandates the amendment of Section 1 of Republic Acts 53 and 1477. It now reads, “Without prejudice to his liability under the civil and criminal laws, any publisher, owner, or duly recognized or accredited journalist, writer, reporter, contributor, opinion writer, editor, columnist, manager, media practitioner involved in writing, editing, production, and dissemination of news for mass circulation, of any print, broadcast, wire service organization, or electronic mass media, including cable TV and its variants, cannot be compelled to reveal the source of any news item, report or information appearing or being reported or disseminated through said media, which was related in confidence to the abovementioned media practitioners unless the court or the House of Representatives or the Senate or any committee of Congress finds that such revelation is demanded by the security of the State.”

There you have it, a law that affords a mantle of protection to all forms of media this present day. With this law, online journalists and broadcasters can no longer be compelled to reveal their source. A big boost to their quest in search of and to report the truth. Without this protection, no informant would be willing to go to them. Instead print reporters would be their refuge. But while print media is still visible today, it is undeniable the online media has grown big, if it has not surpassed the former yet. And that is primarily because of its accessibility. You need not look for a newsstand anymore. Just turn to your phone, open the app and conveniently scroll down until you finish reading the article. And this you can do virtually anywhere and while doing anything. With this advancement in information dissemination, it is just right and timely that online reporters and broadcasters are given as much and equal protection enjoyed by print journalists.

You can be assured that news you read online is true, bold and accurate; especially now with this new law.