Journalists --show us your papers?

Michigan is playing with the idea of creating a 'registry' for journalists. The idea, according to bill sponsor State Senator Bruce Patterson, is to allow the public access to information on journalists' qualifications and experience.

Given the implosion of the traditional news media, and the rise of the stereotype of the know-nothing, basement-bound blogger,[present company excepted] the idea seems to have some merit. Wouldn't you like to know if the "reporter" who left you a voicemail about your big verdict has a degree and some experience on the legal beat, or is just some unemployed kid with an IP address?

"Your role is critically important to the actual success, perhaps even the survival, of our constitutional republic," Patterson told reporters this week while discussing his bill. "That's why the First Amendment is so important and it's given such elevated status. There are correlative duties and responsibilities if you get a right. And I just think we're squandering this."

But the media --old and new-- have risen up en mass to oppose it. Interesting to ponder why professional journalists would be so opposed to an idea that could separate the wheat from the chaff ... so to speak

Read more.

See the bill language.