Congress has reintroduced the PRESS Act. Now lawmakers must pass it.
AP Photo/Jim Mone
The PRESS Act is the most important press freedom bill in modern history.
The PRESS Act would protect journalists from being forced to reveal their confidential sources in federal court and would stop the federal government from spying on journalists— including through tech companies like Google and Facebook.
Its modern definition of ‘journalist’ would protect reporters big and small from across the political spectrum – whether they work at a mainstream news organization, an alternative outlet, are independent, or freelance. It has broad bipartisan support and has already passed the House unanimously.
Featured Items
-
Indictment of journalist raises serious First Amendment concerns
Government seeks permanent seizure of journalist Tim Burke's computers
-
FPF explains the importance of the PRESS Act
Bipartisan bill would protect journalist-source confidentiality and put a stop to government surveillance of reporters
-
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
-
PRESS Act unanimously passes the House. Now on to the Senate!
The federal reporter’s shield bill is one step closer to becoming law. It’s time for the Senate to do its part to protect press freedom and pass the PRESS Act.
-
Official retaliation for “acts of journalism” raises alarms
Discussion of U.S. Press Freedom Tracker’s annual arrest report highlights unusual and concerning abuses of power in 2023
-
Web filters block students from reading the news
Schools are already censoring journalism. If Congress has its way, social media will too
-
Secret spying program underscores need for surveillance reform
It’s time for Congress to put an end to warrantless surveillance of communications by journalists and other Americans
-
Use state law to shield newsrooms and reporters from police raids
Federal law limits searches and seizures of journalistic materials, but state law can give even greater protections.
-
PRESS Act would create a more informed public
Bipartisan sponsors should be commended for supporting press freedom
-
Let’s shore up funding for local news
The Community News and Small Business Support Act would use tax credits to improve local news’s financial outlook
