The Latest

Mobilizing allies and the public to create tangible change for press freedom.

    San José Spotlight City Hall reporter Jana Kadah conducts a phone interview

    The public pays for records lawsuits

    Newsletter

    Public records and freedom of information laws are fundamental for government transparency. But when journalists fight for access to wrongfully withheld records at the state and local level, the public is paying the price, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. Over the past year alone, local governments have paid journalists at least $1.6 million in attorneys fees — all of which was financed by taxpayers — following public records lawsuits.

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

    Press for the PRESS Act

    PRESS ActGuide

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his support this week for the PRESS Act, the strongest shield bill Congress has ever proposed. One of the most important things reporters can do is write about the PRESS Act in news reports or editorials, and non-journalists can help spread the word with op-eds and letters to the editor. Read more in our newsletter.