But it is different. Journalists in the U.S. can't release leaked information that would put American lives at risk or they would be charged for it... that's why when they get information they talk to the FBI first before they print it. WikiLeaks just dumps all information without regard to what might happen from it.
He just testified that they would not be charged with is as they operate under a standard that allows the media to seek out and publish classified information. What he failed to do (and all of this was his opinion btw) was to factor in the motivation of each entity.
Both will publish classified information to influence the electorate of the USA. That is the real issue here.
They will say that the UK Guardian has a right to their opinion and to publish information. The UK Guardian won't hesitate to publish classified information under the guise that information serves the public and transparency. They will say the same thing about any foreign media outlet EXCEPT those that release information that harms those they support. This is found all across the spectrum.
Right this very moment, US journalists are working feverishly to influence the American electorate in favor of the Democrats. Yet we hear no outrage about that.