Bloggers: Protected by Journalism Shield Laws - Yes or No?

I'm an avid follower of Simon Owens' Bloggasm which just published this news:  Judge rules bloggers not protected by journalism shield laws   Posted using ShareThis

I'm extremely disappointed to see this ruling, as is TechDirt who originally covered the news.  Why am I so disappointed?  Not because this is a slam against bloggers and their credibility as citizen journalists (if the traditional media thinks they are credible enough to have incorporated them in their business model as a way to stay alive in the new media world, than really what more proof do you need?), but more because this judge is so misinformed about the new Information Age.  I'd like to know if he consulted with someone knowledgable about social media and the blogosphere for this ruling - it sure doesn't sound like it.  I question whether or not Shelle Halle got a fair ruling.  And, if not, where does this leave the rights of bloggers everywhere who post credible information?  Will this stop citizen journalists from publishing breaking news?  Will this prevent whistle-blowers from confiding in bloggers?

Additionally, in doing further research to compile my thoughts on this, I have discovered that there are decidedly different rulings on similar cases as compiled nicely by the Blogging Journalist

Tell me your opinion.  Should bloggers be protected under the same laws as journalists?