Over the last several years, it has become commonplace for the media to publish information based on electronic materials that have been removed or copied either by organizational insiders and/or external people or groups. The publication of this type of material has impacted individuals, public and private organizations and various government agencies. While it is important for a free society to have the benefits of a free press serving as one of the checks and balances to protect citizens from abusive practices, we may have reached a point where we should re-examine how this is practiced. Are our criminal and civil statues effective on these issues?
Today, with very little exception, news and media outlets deliver content to their targeted audience with the intent of receiving financial gain through sales and advertising. Editors, producers and reporters remain in their roles and advance their careers based on a variety of factors supporting the monetary advancement of their organization.