Federal Court Rules Blogger Not A Journalist

You know that blog of yours? Not only does it not qualify you as a journalist, it can also put you on the wrong end of a $2.5 million judgement. Ouch! But Judge Marco Hernandez wrote that, among other things, Cox's lack of "any education in journalism…any credentials or proof of any affiliation with any recognized news entity…" and alleged failure to contact "'the other side' to get both sides of the story" do not qualify her as a member of the media. Hernandez also noted that journalistic shield laws don't cover the alleged defamation statements attributed to Cox. She has been ordered to pay Obsidian Finance $2.5 million in damages.