Fact Check: California Legislators Revised State Law to Protect Journalists During Upheaval
What We Know
In 2022, California legislators revised state law to explicitly protect journalists covering civil unrest. This change was largely a response to incidents where police treated journalists similarly to protesters, often detaining them or using force to disperse crowds. For instance, during a protest at Echo Park in March 2021, police detained at least 16 journalists, leading to public outcry and calls for reform (NPR). The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, allows journalists to remain in public spaces during protests, even when dispersal orders or curfews are in effect (AP News).
Analysis
The revision of California law was a significant step toward safeguarding press freedoms, particularly in the context of civil unrest. Prior to this change, the legal framework was ambiguous, allowing police to interpret dispersal orders as applicable to journalists as well (NPR). The new legislation clarifies that journalists have the right to report from within police lines during demonstrations, which is a critical protection for press freedom.
The law was supported by various press advocacy groups, including the ACLU of California and the California news publishers and broadcasters, indicating a broad consensus on the need for such protections (AP News). Critics, however, including the California Police Chiefs Association, argued that the law could lead to confusion and potential legal challenges for officers trying to maintain order during protests (AP News).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with NPR and AP News being well-respected news organizations. They provide thorough reporting on the implications of the law and the context surrounding its passage. The information aligns with multiple reports on the treatment of journalists during protests, reinforcing the claim's validity.
Conclusion
The claim that California legislators revised state law in 2022 to specify that journalists have the right to be in public spaces during upheaval, even if others must disperse or follow a curfew, is True. The legislative change was a direct response to previous incidents where journalists faced undue interference from law enforcement while covering protests.
