Tensions between freedom of the press and national security
A conversation on the risks and reasons for reporting secrets.
From the 2008 campaign right through his presidency President Barack Obama has talked a lot about the importance of transparency. But watchdog groups and journalists believe he has fallen far short of his commitment.
Indeed, New York Times journalist James Risen recently tweeted: "I plan to spend the rest of my life fighting to undo damage done to press freedom in the United States by Barack Obama and Eric Holder."
Risen joined MPR News with Kerri Miller for a conversation about the necessity and tension between transparent government and national security. Risen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covers national security issues for the New York Times.
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P.W. Singer also joined the conversation. He's a senior fellow at the New America Foundation and author of the novel, Ghost Fleet.
Conversation highlights:
• "This is the first truly classified war in American history," said James Risen.
• "The definition of war has become fuzzy. The definition of national security has become fuzzy. The definition of journalist has become fuzzy," said PW Singer.
• "Today, as a reporter, to protect your sources, you have to willing to commit civil disobedience," said James Risen.
Do you think the First Amendment provides too much leeway to reporters, particularly when they are reporting on issues of national security? Share your views in the comments below.