
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 29, 1995                   TAG: 9501310052
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RICHMOND, VA.                                 LENGTH: Short

JUDGE RULES ABC MUST IDENTIFY SOURCE

A judge has ordered ABC to reveal the identity of a confidential news source dubbed ``Deep Cough'' as part of a $10 billion libel lawsuit filed by tobacco giant Philip Morris.

The source was featured in a ``Day One'' newsmagazine report last year that alleged Philip Morris Cos. and other tobacco companies spike cigarettes with extra nicotine to addict smokers.

Richmond Circuit Judge T.J. Markow also ruled Thursday that ABC must disclose the identity of sources from Philip Morris and the federal government. He gave ABC 10 days to comply.

ABC lawyer Thomas E. Spahn and Philip Morris attorney Lewis Booker declined to comment on the ruling.

``Deep Cough'' appeared on camera only in silhouette, and her voice was disguised. ABC has identified her only as a former manager for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., a Philip Morris competitor.

- Associated Press

by CNB