So now judges have to define what is a news source and what is not a news source?
Does this judge even know of television yet?
Shield laws like this are very specific and probably unconstitutional, since they provide an enhanced level of freedom of speech protection to certain groups.
It will take some time for case law to determine where blogs fit into journalism and publication.
How is a blog any different than a magazine or newspaper? There have been self-published newspapers since revolutionary days.
Libel is still libel, whether it’s published in the New York Times or Bubba’s Blog. Quality journalism is the same, as well.
I wouldn't be so dismissive of the judge if I were you. Take a moment and try to define exactly what the First Amendment means when refers to "the press." You'll quickly discover that it is not so easy after all.
Part of what this judge had to do, was decide whether or not this blogger could legitimately claim to be "the press;" or if, as argued by the other side, she was merely a gossip.
And, unlike the author(s) of this poorly-reasoned opinion piece, the judge had to decide, one way or the other, based on actual legal grounds. You should probably read his actual decision before pooh-poohing it.