In a day and age when people are continuously debating when the press should remain silent, it is surprising to hear that making a reporter write could be punishment. However, so goes the proposed penalty for Katie Baker, a reporter and news anchor who has been ordered by District Judge James Shumate of St. George, Utah to write a story about something “that needs some attention" in exchange for dropping criminal charges against her.
Baker was in contempt of court for interviewing a jury candidate live on her television station, KUTV, though she seemed to be unaware that her behavior was inappropriate; she later apologized and took responsibility for her actions. Judge Shumate had the charges against her put on hold, but only to offer her the opportunity to buy her innocence. The judge did not stipulate that the proposed public service story be broadcast, but required that Baker give him a copy of it on DVD.
While it may seem a mild punishment, the Society of Professional Journalists asked that the charges against Baker --and her story requirement-- be dropped. The SPJ was especially furious because, though Baker was not forced into silence, she was made to feel intimidated by the government. They also felt that the judge was over-stepping his bounds on several levels and abusing the power of the judiciary by trying to control the content of the news.
It all goes back to the same questions: What's more important? A fair trial or an informed public? Who is the watchdog? The government or the press? A balance needs to be struck between these forces that should not be against each other.
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