On this World Press Freedom Day, the News/Media Alliance pays tribute to all journalists for their essential service to their communities. Journalists work tirelessly to provide information and hold governments accountable, often putting themselves in danger to do so. It is our responsibility to demand that governments uphold the right to freedom of the press.
Recent events such as the police raid on the Marion County Record newsroom in Kansas, the murder of journalist Jeff German in Las Vegas, and the wrongful detainment of reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia highlight the challenges faced by journalists worldwide in ensuring press freedoms. The World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders further underscores the ongoing threats to press freedom globally.
The Alliance is committed to advocating for improved press freedoms and protections, including the passage of the PRESS Act, which would establish a federal reporter shield law to better support journalists. Charlotte McBirney, Senior Counsel and Director of Public Policy for the News/Media Alliance, is at the forefront of these efforts.