Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Publishers Released After Public Outcry

Late last week, two co-founders of the Phoenix New Times were arrested for "publishing details of a grand jury subpoena" demanding reporter notes and information regarding visitors to the alternative weekly newspaper's Web site. It was a case we at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists might have spoken out on, had officials not wisely reversed course less than 24 hours after news about the subpoena was released and an overwhelming backlash from the public.

At NAHJ, our concern is with what appears to be a blatant abuse of prosecutorial authority against the press. They sought, according to the New Times, "all documents related to articles and other content published by Phoenix New Times newspaper in print and on the Phoenix New Times website, regarding Sheriff Joe Arpaio from January 1, 2004 to the present." Prosecutors also wanted "detailed information on anyone who has looked at the New Times Web site since 2004," the paper reported. It baffles us that any prosecutor would think this was an acceptable request. I, for one, congratulate the New Times on its legal victory.

Rafael Olmeda, NAHJ President

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