Northwestern’s student newspaper helps kill anti-speech prosecution
Student journalists set an example for the professionals when it comes to standing up for the First Amendment
FPF explains the importance of the PRESS Act
Bipartisan bill would protect journalist-source confidentiality and put a stop to government surveillance of reporters
Harsh punishments for leakers hurt journalism
Former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn received the maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment on Monday, after pleading guilty to leaking Donald Trump’s returns to The New York Times. Littlejohn also leaked a tranche of ultrawealthy Americans’ tax documents to ProPublica. It’s sadly ironic that Littlejohn is being harshly punished for exposing billionaire tax evasion while billionaire tax evaders themselves continue to be afforded leniency by the judiciary.
Ex-CIA employee deserves a long prison sentence — but not for leaking documents
It’s troubling that our government apparently views disclosing its secrets as an exponentially more serious offense than possessing troves of child pornography
Why political rivals can and should come together for press freedom
It takes courage for politicians likely to be criticized by journalists to nonetheless stand up for their constitutional rights
Israel and US continue to ignore press freedom violations
As more and more journalists are killed and the international press remains shut out of Gaza, the time is now for the Biden administration to pressure Israel to act
New election blog catalogs media suppression by candidates, campaigns
Special project from U.S. Press Freedom Tracker collects and reports on press freedom aggressions by candidates and their teams running in 2024 federal elections
New Jersey anti-SLAPP law faces its first test
Here’s what journalists should watch for in the first case applying the state’s new law meant to protect against meritless anti-speech lawsuits
Harsh punishments for leakers undermine public-interest journalism
The maximum sentence imposed on the ex-IRS contractor who leaked Trump’s tax returns to the press sends a chilling message to other would-be whistleblowers
FAQs about the PRESS Act
The PRESS Act -– which passed the House last week with no opposition — is the most important press freedom legislation in modern history. It would finally put an end to retaliatory surveillance of journalists who embarrass officials, as well as court orders requiring journalists to choose between burning their sources and risking jail time. As it heads to the Senate, we answer some of the common questions we’ve seen asked about the act. Topics range from the substance and scope of the bill to what you can do to help get it through the Senate.
