“alleged journalists should have no special rights. If they have material evidence in a criminal trial, they should be compelled to produce just as I would be.”
Then we need to revoke the First Amendment and the Fifth Amendment. Or just ignore them as is happening.
the first amendment states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
giving a subpoena to someone working in the press in no way prevents them from publishing whatever they want. This amendment simply states the press shall not have their freedom to publish whatever they want limited and does not give the press special privileges different than any other citizen.
Also, if the journalist wants to take the fifth in court, they are free to do that just as you or I. Again, nothing special about being a member of the press, no special rights.