Lucy Dalglish

"Be Matt Damon," was only one of the tips Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committe for Freedom of the Press, gave to a board room  packed with SUNY Albany Students, professors, and journalists during her discussion on media and the protections, or lack thereof, of journalists' anonymous sources. She spoke of past challenges journalists have had to confront when subpoenaed for their refusal to name a source, using as an example the fiasco regarding Toni Locy. Dalglish also mentioned the importance of a journalist protecting the secrecy of his or her sources. Altruistic in quality, the importance is embodied in the maintenance of independence, which shows to others that the journalist is not swayed by any one influence, as well as the maintenance of truth, which may become less available if sources lose the safety of anonymity. She also reminded students that if you don't at least put up a fight to keep a source secret, you will become the go to witness for dilemma which you could have information about. 

While Dalglish's speech was filled with real life incidents regarding protection of sources, shield laws, and national controversy, she was sure to give students a few tips regarding use of sources. She reminded them to be upfront and clear cut about the nature of the relationship between journalist and source, as well as "go back to the basics." Email and phone records are not a journalist's property, so a safer way of exchanging delicate information is to meet in person, or to have disposable cell phones, like Matt Damon in the Borne Ultimatum . She warned students that, if subpoenaed, they should not throw out or delete any information or notes they have, as that could become obstruction of justice. Also, journalists should retain a consistency; either throw notes out when finished, or save them, but don't do both.  Finally, a journalist must never break a promise of confidentiality as they could be sued. Dalglish's talk was both informative and practical. Her information was essential to the knowledge of any journalist working in today's world of governmental mistrust and constant scandal.