Illinois lawmakers have approved a bill designed to protect the editorial independence of public radio and TV stations affiliated with the state’s colleges and universities.
It’s the first state in the U.S. that has approved such legislation, according to the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council.
In Illinois, the schools affilated include University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University and public community colleges subject to the Public Community College Act.
House Bill 4420 was sponsored by Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and signed into law by Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker on June 26. It modifies the existing College Campus Press Act to shield public media editors and reporters from prior review by university officials.
The change in law allows an employee or agent of an entity that creates or distributes public media at a state-supported institution of higher learning to bring a civil action for injunctive or declaratory relief if the act is violated.
“Denying editorial independence to our aspiring journalists and professional journalists on campus is denying our communities honest stories about the real events taking place on and off campus,” Koehler said.
The bill was first introduced last year but failed to pass, according to Current.
The law takes effect Jan. 1.
The Illinois Public Broadcasting Council represents 12 public radio and television stations across the state.
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