PressEthic

Rising like a phoenix in defiance of mainstream media, independent (and often free) presses frequently cover the stories and print the perspectives that can make the corporate giants decidedly uncomfortable. Their newsrooms are often understaffed, their reporters underpaid and overworked, and the finished product is rarely as flashy as the competition. Yet this week, according to the Associated Press, free newspapers were awarded a measure of protection and even validation through the passing of a very strange bit of California legislation.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Monday making it an infraction to take more than 25 copies of a free newspaper to recycle it or prevent people from reading it.

By passing legislation to protect the availability of free publications and shielding their right of accessibility against unsatisfied readers, Schwarzenegger is also, in essence, validating their worth.

The bill would make it an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250 to take more than 25 copies of a free newspaper to sell or barter the papers, recycle them for cash or another type of compensation, hurt a competitor or prevent others from reading the paper.

A subsequent offense could be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, sentencing of up to 10 days in the county jail or both.

Although it’s hard to imagine serving jail time for recycling free newspapers, the importance of this legislation should not be understated. As many independent papers are struggling to remain sustainable in the era of the internet and facing increased mainstream competition, this legislation should serve as a deterrent for those hoping to censor the press or make a quick buck. It is also an attempt to ensure that free newspapers remain available to anyone eager for another point of view.