The year 2024 presented significant challenges to press freedom. At least 49 journalists were arrested while performing their duties, 80 were assaulted, and numerous efforts were made to criminalize the right to publish. Journalists faced extensive legal battles, intrusive surveillance, and burdensome subpoenas designed to suppress the press.
And that was before the presidential election.
At Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), we maintain a steadfast commitment to nonpartisanship and independence. Since our founding in 2012, we have held every administration accountable — regardless of political affiliation — to defend press freedom. Our mission remains unchanged: to protect journalists’ rights and uphold the principles of a free press, irrespective of who holds power.
Given the increasing threats of journalist surveillance, legal harassment, and attempts to erode press protections, our mission is more critical than ever. Today, we are pleased to share our 2024 Impact Report, which highlights our most significant accomplishments from the past year and outlines our key goals moving forward. We extend our gratitude to Kelsey Borch for designing this report.
How we fought back in 2024
Despite escalating attacks on press freedom, FPF made significant progress in strengthening journalist protections, expanding digital security resources, and holding those in power accountable. Our 2024 Impact Report details several key accomplishments:
Lauren Harper joins FPF as the first Daniel Ellsberg chair on government secrecy
In honor of our co-founder Daniel Ellsberg’s legacy, FPF established a new position dedicated to exposing excessive government secrecy and advocating for transparency.
SecureDrop Workstation launch
We introduced the SecureDrop Workstation, enhancing journalists’ ability to securely receive and review leaked documents while maintaining the highest security standards.
A 59% increase in digital security trainees
FPF trained over 2,200 journalists, students, and media-makers, equipping them with essential skills to combat surveillance and digital threats.
The PRESS Act passes in the House
This critical bill, designed to protect journalists from being compelled to disclose their sources, passed in the House of Representatives in January 2024. FPF will continue advocating for its passage in the new Congress throughout 2025.
Tracking U.S. press freedom violations
In 2024, the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker documented its 2,000th incident, spanning 11 categories of press freedom violations.
Our 2025 priorities
FPF is committed to advancing press freedom and digital security in 2025 through the following initiatives:
- Enhancing the SecureDrop Workstation and promoting its adoption in newsrooms worldwide
- Increasing direct outreach to raise awareness of the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker
- Expanding digital security resources for journalists, students, and media professionals at heightened risk
- Advocating for the PRESS Act by pushing for its passage into law and creating an accessible Action Center for public engagement
Defend press freedom — Join us
FPF’s work is only possible through the support of individuals who believe in protecting the free press and holding power accountable. If you share this commitment, we invite you to join us — your support makes a difference.
Read the full 2024 Impact Report to see how we are gearing up for the fight.
