In this columnist's view, the shield law is a bad idea for another reason: By granting a special legal privilege to journalists, it would make them beholden to the federal government.

WSJ: Best of the Web Today: We're All Fox News Now

Now five international media organisations have supported his stand, urging the tribunal "to recognize a qualified privilege for journalists not to be compelled to testify about their news gathering before this court unless certain conditions are met - namely that the information is absolutely essential to the case and that it cannot be obtained by any other means".

BBC: Milosevic tribunal calls BBC witness

Item 23: Journalists must not accept any privilege or position that will influence their professional performance in disseminating correct and comprehensive information.

UNESCO: Communication and Information