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In a landmark move, the state of Maine has passed a new media law aimed at protecting journalists' sources. The law, which was signed by Governor Janet Mills on Thursday, October 19, 2025, is being hailed as a major victory for press freedom in the state.The law, known as the Maine Journalists' Shield Law, will protect journalists from being forced to disclose their sources in court proceedings. This means that journalists in Maine can now keep their sources confidential without fear of legal repercussions.The passage of the law comes after years of advocacy by journalists and press freedom advocates in the state. Maine has a long history of protecting the rights of journalists, but until now, there was no specific law in place to protect their sources.In a statement, Governor Mills praised the new law, saying, "Journalists play a vital role in our democracy, and it is essential that they are able to protect their sources in order to do their job effectively. This law will help ensure that journalists in Maine can continue to uncover the truth without fear of being compelled to reveal their sources."The Maine Journalists' Shield Law is one of the most comprehensive in the country, providing strong protections for journalists and their sources. Under the law, journalists can only be compelled to disclose their sources if there is a compelling public interest in doing so, and if all other avenues of obtaining the information have been exhausted.Advocates hope that the passage of this law will set a precedent for other states to follow suit and strengthen protections for journalists nationwide. The Maine Press Association, a group representing journalists in the state, has hailed the law as a major victory for press freedom and a crucial step towards ensuring the public's right to know.Overall, the passage of the Maine Journalists' Shield Law marks a significant milestone in the fight to protect press freedom in the United States. Journalists in Maine can now rest assured that their sources will be protected, allowing them to continue their important work of holding the powerful to account and uncovering the truth for the benefit of all.