Obama "Troubled" By How Leak Investigations May "Chill" Investigative Journalism

"A free press is also essential for our democracy, that's who we are."

buzzfeed.com

President Obama said Thursday he was "troubled" by the effect that leak investigations could have on journalism. During a speech on counterterrorism Thursday at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., the president added that there would be a review of the Justice Department's methods for investigating leaks.

"A free press is also essential for our democracy, that's who we are. And I'm troubled by the possibility that leak investigations may chill the investigative journalism that holds government accountable. Journalists should not be at legal risk for doing their jobs. Our focus must be on those who break the law."

"That's why I've called on Congress to pass a media shield law to guard against government overreach," the president added, noting he asked the attorney general to review their existing DOJ guidelines involving reporters.

The president said the attorney general would report the results of the review back to him July 12.

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