Times reporter in leak probe to be given award next Tuesday

RAW STORY

New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who was jailed 85 days for refusing to reveal the source who disclosed the identity of undercover CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson, is slated to receive a First Amendment Award Tuesday, RAW STORY has learned.

The award is being presented by the Society of Professional Journalists at a conference in Las Vegas. The Society is made up of some 1,100 independent writers.

Miller will speak to participants of the 2005 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference at 8:15 a.m. Oct. 18.

The Times reporter will then join a panel discussion titled "The Reporter's Privilege Under Siege." Joining Miller will be Associated Press reporter Josef Hebert, Patricia Hurtado of Newsday and Bruce Sanford of Baker and Hostetler law firm.

SPJ President Irwin Gratz previously lauded Miller's release. The group is pushing for a federal shield law to protect journalists.

"We appreciate the need prosecutors have for information," said President Gratz, "but when that information is extracted from reporters, we all pay a price in the diminished independence of the news media."

Miller's speech is scheduled for 8:15 to 9 a.m. in Grand Ballroom 4 at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino. The panel discussion will follow from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

In August, the group changed its mind about granting Miller the "Conscience in the Media" award.

After dissent from the group's membership, Miller was denied the prize "based on its opinion that her entire career, and even her current actions in the Plame/CIA leak case, cast doubt on her credentials for this award."

In a bio, the Society of Professional Journalists says the group, "works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press."


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