Licensed Journalists

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonard 

Con: Totally a violation of free speech. Would not and should not work. I think I answered my own question.

 

I agree!

And this rigorous process would be overseen by Ryan Seacrest, tonight at 8 on Fox!

See, there used to be a screening process: a degree in Journalism from an accredited college. But now it's anyone's fucking game.

Somewhat tangentially related: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/us/we-the-people-loses-appeal-with-people-around-the-world.html

The article makes an interesting point that dovetails nicely with mine.  The Constitution has, essentially, become a suicide pact for the United States.  So much so, that countries are now looking elsewhere for inspiration on governance structures and bills of rights, specifically those of Canada and South Africa.  Our terse founding document just isn't what it used to be, particularly with respect to issues such as this one.

Back on point.  I just don't see how any regulation of the press through a board wouldn't be a violation of the First Amendment. 

That's pretty fucking clear.  Any exam that a person would have to pass to be a "journalist" probably constitutes an abridgment of the freedom of speech or the press.  Plus, how do you define who a journalist is?  Newspaper and TV news reporters?  Bloggers?  Given the decline of the "traditional" news media, any regulation that doesn't include bloggers is destined to fail.

I don't see any feasible way to do this. Every time I try to work it out in my head, I see fascism creep in. 

The Society of Professional Journalists already has a nice, tight Code of Ethics that all journalists, of all specializations and media, should aspire to and that all readers/viewers should be aware of.

They also explain why they don't enforce it, why nobody should, and why these aren't "rules" but "a resource for ethical decision-making."

tangentially....

there was a piece on Talk of the Nation/NPR the other day relating to the idea of criminalizing lies and lying.

^It seems to me that in the case above, the crime is clearly fraud. A guy takes credit for actions he didn't commit, which tarnishes the reputations of the military and the men who deserve to be honored. That goes a bit beyond a fib.

It's kind of how it's against the law to wear a police uniform if you aren't a cop. In that field, the way you're dressed has an effect on those around you.