The Virginia Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has issued a statement in response to the ongoing revelation that reporter calls have been intercepted during the federal investigation into a state senator.
Background:
Louise Lucas’ phone was wiretapped by FBI, journalist’s records intercepted, court records show
They listened to your calls (again)
The statement is below:
The Virginia Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists expresses concern over continued revelations that federal law enforcement again intercepted phone communications between state Sen. Louise Lucas and journalists. Reporters with The Virginian-Pilot, Radio IQ and VPM have received letters that their phone calls with the senator were intercepted. Routine watchdog reporting depends entirely on source confidentiality. Government surveillance, even if incidental, creates a chilling effect on press freedom and accountability journalism across Virginia.
We call for full transparency from the Department of Justice and FBI regarding their adherence to news media guidelines, strict minimization protocols and the immediate purging of all intercepted reporter data. The SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter stands firmly with all newsgatherers covering Virginia, and we will continue defending journalists’ constitutional right to report without fear of government monitoring.
SPJVA Today 