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On July 13, 2025, the Alaska Legislature passed a new media law aimed at protecting journalists' sources in the state. The law, officially known as the Alaska Journalist Source Protection Act, was introduced in response to growing concerns about the erosion of press freedoms and the increasing pressure on media outlets to divulge their confidential sources.The new law offers strong protections for journalists and their sources, including provisions that prohibit courts from compelling journalists to reveal the identity of their sources in most cases. Only under limited circumstances, such as in cases involving national security or imminent threat to public safety, can a court order a journalist to disclose their sources.Additionally, the Alaska Journalist Source Protection Act includes penalties for those who attempt to intimidate or retaliate against journalists for exercising their rights under the law. Any individual found guilty of threatening or harassing a journalist in an attempt to force them to reveal their sources could face fines and imprisonment.Alaska Governor Sarah Johnson praised the passage of the new law, stating that it is a crucial step in upholding the freedom of the press and ensuring that journalists can perform their essential role in holding those in power accountable. She emphasized the importance of protecting journalists' sources as a means of maintaining a robust and independent media landscape in the state.The Alaska Journalist Source Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a significant impact on the practice of journalism in the state. Journalists and media organizations have welcomed the new law, applauding its strong protections for press freedom and the vital role of journalists in a democratic society.