As used in this Act: (a) "Reporter" means any person regularly engaged in the business of collecting, writing or editing news for publication through a news medium on a full-time or part-time basis; and includes any person who was a reporter at the time the information sought was procured or obtained.
8-902.Definitions.
Article VIII. Evidence · Part 9. Reporter's Privilege · Last amended 2001 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceThis section defines who counts as a reporter, what qualifies as a news medium, and what counts as a source for purposes of Illinois's reporter's privilege.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/8-902
(b) "News medium" means any newspaper or other periodical issued at regular intervals whether in print or electronic format and having a general circulation; a news service whether in print or electronic format; a radio station; a television station; a television network; a community antenna television service; and any person or corporation engaged in the making of news reels or other motion picture news for public showing.
(c) "Source" means the person or means from or through which the news or information was obtained.
Plain-English Summary
Section 8-902 supplies the definitions that give Part 9's reporter's privilege its scope. A "reporter" is any person regularly engaged in collecting, writing, or editing news for publication through a news medium, whether full-time or part-time, and the definition also reaches someone who was a reporter at the time the information at issue was obtained, even if they no longer hold that role.
"News medium" is defined broadly to include newspapers and other periodicals issued at regular intervals, in print or electronic format, with general circulation; news services, whether print or electronic; radio and television stations; television networks; community antenna television service; and any person or corporation making news reels or other motion picture news for public showing.
"Source" means the person or means from or through which the news or information was obtained. Together, these three definitions mark the boundaries of who can claim the privilege in Section 8-901, what kind of outlet qualifies someone as working through a news medium, and what exactly stays protected from compelled disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies as a "reporter" under Illinois's shield law?
Section 8-902 defines a reporter as any person regularly engaged in collecting, writing, or editing news for publication through a news medium, full-time or part-time, and it also covers someone who was a reporter at the time the information sought was obtained.
What counts as a "news medium" under Illinois law?
The statute lists newspapers and periodicals issued at regular intervals (print or electronic) with general circulation, news services, radio stations, television stations and networks, community antenna television service, and makers of news reels or motion picture news for public showing.
Does the reporter's privilege cover freelance or part-time journalists?
Yes. The definition of "reporter" covers a person regularly engaged in collecting, writing, or editing news for publication through a news medium on a full-time or part-time basis.
What does "source" mean under Section 8-902?
It means the person or means from or through which the news or information was obtained, which is the specific thing Section 8-901 protects from compelled disclosure.
Does a former reporter still get the shield law's protection?
Yes, for information obtained while they held that role. The definition of reporter includes any person who was a reporter at the time the information sought was procured or obtained.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 92-335, eff. 8-10-01.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: illinois reporter's privilege definitionswho is a reporter illinois shield lawnews medium definition illinois statute8-902 illinois evidence