Top News: Canadian Journalist Contempt of Court Hearing
Canadian journalist Ken Peters who works for the Hamilton Spectator will be before the courts on January 21, 2008 to appeal his contempt of court case. Media freedom to keep their confidential sources a secret may hang in the balance.
CEP, Canada's largest media union Vice President Peter Murdoch says of the case, "We believe it is time the courts in Canada reflect the reality that journalists often need protection for their sources if they are to raise issues vital to public safety and ethical government."
Peters landed himself court time after refusing to divulge his sources revolving around a story that included allegations of serious misdoings at a local retirement home.
Murdoch added, "The Canadian judicial system is behind the times in this regard and our hope is that the Court of Appeal will quickly dispose of this case with a solid endorsement of a journalistic practice essential to the profession."
"A not-guilty verdict would send a strong signal about the importance of press freedom in a democracy."
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, (CEP) represents 150,000 Canadians, including more than 25,000 newspaper, broadcast, film and printing industry workers.
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