A federal judge has held a veteran investigative reporter in civil contempt for refusing to reveal her source for a series of Fox News stories about a Chinese American scientist who was investigated by the FBI but never charged. The judge imposed a fine of $800 per day until the reporter divulges her source, pending any appeal.
The judge acknowledged the importance of a free press and the role of confidential sources in investigative journalism but emphasized the court's duty to uphold the law and judicial authority. The case has sparked concerns among media advocates about the potential chilling effect on journalism if reporters are compelled to betray confidentiality.
