2021 Legislative Priorities
RTDNA urges FCC to reject calls for investigations into broadcast stations’ journalistic activity
We urge the Federal Communications Commission to reject a request from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s office to investigate the content of news stories conducted by WBFF-TV into the policies, activities and official business of that office and its chief prosecutor, Marilyn J. Mosby.
RTDNA to Justice Department: Probes into police conduct must include treatment of press
RTDNA has joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and more than 100 other press freedom and First Amendment groups urging the Justice Department to include “treatment of the press” in its reviews of the Minneapolis Police Department, Louisville Metro Police Department and any future inquiries the Department may pursue.
2021 Newsrooms by the Numbers: Data From a Dangerous Year in Journalism
During the past year, the job of seeking and reporting the truth became increasingly dangerous. Journalists were threatened, assaulted and arrested at an alarming rate while on the job. We faced unprecedented levels of verbal and physical violence at the hands of civilians, police and the leaders we are meant to hold accountable.
Act Now to Protect Press Freedom
It’s never been a more dangerous time to be a journalist in America. According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, attacks on the media have increased by 1000%. Our members have reported increased threats and violent attacks and have taken extraordinary measures to keep their teams safe.
For years, journalists have been arrested and assaulted for recording police activity in public spaces. In the protests following the death of George Floyd and during demonstrations surrounding the 2020 election, this violation of a journalist’s right to record became particularly troubling.
The Radio Television Digital News Association sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding immediate access for journalists to Border Patrol processing facilities and Border Patrol officials.
America’s Fourth Estate faces increasing danger
Journalists serve their communities by seeking and reporting the truth, but the circulation of anti-media rhetoric has made this work dangerous. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that Congress pass legislation acknowledging that journalists have targets on their backs.
Calling on Congress to Act: Now is the time to strengthen America's right to a free press
Every day, thousands of local journalists help shape the action we take to right wrongs, hold those in power accountable and use our power as voters. The work of journalists is necessary, but it is increasingly dangerous.
Years of anti-journalist rhetoric trumpeted by those in power has caused a dramatic and disturbing increase in attacks on the media. News organizations large and small are taking security measures they never thought would be necessary in this country.
Get involved
• Sign the Petition to Protect Journalists.
• Tell us how you have been impacted by violence, barriers to recording police action or other issues that have impeded your work.
