Journalists watch the televised debate between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
Dear Friend,
On Tuesday, we released a new report on journalist safety in the United States, sounding the alarm that attacks on the media have increased by more than 50% from 2023 to 2024. You can read the full report on our website but if you only have a few minutes, here are the key points:
- Lack of accountability: No charges have been brought in 15 of 18 assaults on journalists during the January 6 Capitol attack and police assaults during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests remain unresolved.
- Legal threats: Media outlets are facing an onslaught of lawsuits that deplete their resources and could endanger reporters’ First Amendment rights and ability to protect confidential sources.
- Rising online harassment: Online harassment is increasing, especially against women, journalists of color, LGBTQ+ reporters, and religious or ethnic minorities. Local journalists are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of safety resources.
Despite these challenges, 70% of U.S. adults believe press freedom is crucial to society’s well-being, and we know you are proudly a part of that 70%. Here's what your support this year has helped us achieve:
- Safety training: We’ve trained 741 U.S. journalists this year in physical, digital, and legal preparedness.
- Advocacy: We are urging both presidential candidates to affirm their support for fostering an environment in which media freedom is protected in the U.S. and overseas — so far, neither has signed our pledge.
- PRESS Act: Co-authored bipartisan legislation to protect journalists from surveillance and forced disclosure of sources; it passed the House and is now in the Senate.
Thank you for standing with us.
John Weis
Director of Development and Outreach
P.S. The challenges facing journalists in the U.S. are urgent, and your continued support can make all the difference. Please consider making a gift to help us protect press freedom and strengthen democracy here at home. Together, we can ensure journalists can continue their vital work.
