The goals of the task force include not only reacting to threats to First Amendment Freedoms, but proactively supporting journalists and educating the public about the importance of a free press to our democracy. The task force is a collaborative effort with broadcast and digital journalism companies, like-minded media associations and others to provide a vigorous defense for the First Amendment, news media access and to combat the growing vitriol toward journalism in the current divisive political and ideological environment.
RTDNA and its Voice of the First Amendment Task Force has joined more than 20 press freedom organizations in launching the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a new website dedicated to documenting press freedom abuses across the United States. The site serves as a repository for data at a time when journalists in the U.S. are facing obstruction, threats, hostility, legal charges, assault, and other forms of harassment.
Police Union Tried To Block Publication Of NYPD Database
ABC 7 New York reporter punched in face while covering story
Journalist Manuel Duran, arrested while covering immigration protest, could be deported by ICE
Legislature could end use of cameras in Minnesota court rooms
Daily News reporter free after detention by State Police at Capitol
Reporter and photographer chased onto highway after trying to interview New Jersey funeral director
BET boots journalist from Michelle Obama conference
Journalists say arrest of Ottawa reporter is abnormal, unacceptable
San Diego Crew OK After Attack During Live Shot
Emails Warn Workers At Colorado Capitol Not To Speak To Press
US Air Force orders freeze on public outreach
LRSD Teacher Arrested for Criminal Trespass at TV Stations
Marine Corps bans journalist and veteran James LaPorta from Camp Lejeune base
Documentary journalist Nora Donaghy subpoenaed to testify before grand jury
New suit beefs up effort to free Mexican journalist Emilio Gutierrez from federal detention
NRA issues threatening video warning journalists 'your time is running out'
The dangers of the paper route
New York Post, media organizations sue to keep body cam footage public
Treasury blocks footage of hecklers at Mnuchin interview
Utah House passes 'noncompete' bill
Utah House panel votes to restrict reporters on House floor
Las Vegas judge orders Review-Journal and AP not to report on publicly-available autopsy report
Media companies sue for security videos from exterior of Stoneman Douglas building
Former White House aide Seb Gorka shoves Mediaite reporter at CPAC
California Highway Patrol officer stops local radio host, seizes his press pass
Commentary: Utah‘s HB241 would undermine the role of news in society
Hoax attempts against Miami Herald augur brewing war over fake, real news
NRA spokeswoman: "Many in legacy media love mass shootings"
Judge Rules News Publishers Violated Copyright by Embedding Tweets of Tom Brady Photo
Reporter found guilty of disorderly conduct in clash with police captured on video
Man bashes sign outside FOX 11 studios with crucifix he stole from church
Conservative radio host says he was fired for being critical of Donald Trump
‘Help Me Howard’ reporter attacked while trying to interview Bronx mechanic wielding baseball bat
What some reporters get wrong about the First Amendment (Don't be that person - Know your rights)
CMS threatens to bar Modern Healthcare from press calls after reporter refuses to alter story
2017 was the most dangerous year ever for journalists. 2018 might be even worse.
Freedom of the Press Foundation will preserve Gawker’s archives
Jon Ziegler attacked by white nationalist protesters in Tennessee
White House aides shout down CNN’s Jim Acosta as he questions President Trump
Two TV Journalists Fight Grand Jury Subpoena After Interviewing Suge Knight in Prison
Man arrested, accused of threatening to kill CNN employees
Speakers protest detention of Mexican journalist on press freedom, moral, legal grounds
Trump Calls for Crowing King of Fake News
Trump’s ‘Fake News Awards’ could violate ethics rules
Trump Renews Pledge to ‘Take a Strong Look’ at Libel Laws
Trump lawyer files lawsuits against BuzzFeed, Fusion GPS over dossier
Border inspections of electronic devices hits record number
National Press Club effort to free Mexican journalist reaches 'crucial phase'
Trump lawyer sends cease-and-desist to Michael Wolff publisher
Sheriff David Clarke temporarily blocked on Twitter after violating terms of service
Iowa justice blocks newspaper from reporting court records
‘This is unprecedented’: Public colleges limiting journalist access
Washington Post reporters barred from Roy Moore election night party
Mexican journalist seeking asylum in U.S. nearly deported
Nydia Tisdale acquitted of felony charge, guilty of misdemeanor obstruction
Paul Ryan’s GOP challenger tells columnist to ‘eat a bullet'
Judge embroiled in Indiana press freedom dispute accused of sexual harrasment
New York City Council member abruptly limits access for City Hall reporters
EPA Kicks Out InsideSources Reporter From Event With Administrator Scott Pruitt
Tribune reporter carjacked in Chicago
Donald Trump’s “Fake News” Tactics
Journalist Who Told Laquan McDonald’s Story Faces Fight Over Sources
Ben Jacobs sends cease and desist letter to Greg Gianforte
Roy Moore supporter accosts cameraman at rally
Trump attacks media in his first post-Thanksgiving tweet
If cops can get phone data without a warrant, it could be a nightmare for journalists — and sources
Greg Gianforte misled police after assault of Guardian journalist, incident report shows
Roy Moore supporters call journalists part of a 'mob,' 'disgraceful'
Robocall Impersonating Washington Post Reporter Pretends To Seek Dirt On Roy Moore
North Dakota files objection to extended courtroom media coverage
New York Times photographer tweets ‘photo’ of black box to protest White House coverage blackout
Chris Wallace: Donald Trump Behind Most Sustained Press Assault In Our History”
In China, Trump continues war on media by bowing to demand for no questions from reporters
Maine anchor says a viewer harrassed him becase of his sexual orientation
Vermont TV station evacuated after bomb threat
“This is political”: CNN sees Trump’s hand in Justice Department’s merger crackdown
Buffalo lawmakers seek to contain reporters
Media files lawsuit against Las Vegas police for public records in 1 October shooting
Are billionaires who own news outlets good or bad for journalism?
Reporter access curtailed at Capitol after protest
Appeals court upholds judges' right to suppress audio records
Democratic-leaning journalist arrested at Virginia GOP campaign event
Knife-wielding man chases two tv reporters, city council candidate in Yakima
U.N. rights expert assails Trump administration on press treatment
Don Lemon files police report over Twitter death threat
Republican official 'would have shot' Guardian reporter attacked by Gianforte
Indiana lawmaker drafts bill to license journalists
Soap opera actor slaps reporter in the face on red carpet
Trump doubles down on broadcast license threats
New York Press Club issues statement on Mayor's closed-door meeting
NYPD insincere about transparency
The most difficult place in America to practice journalism
Four more journalists arrested in St. Louis
Can the First Amendment save us?
When a journalist is arrested covering a protest, what should the news outlet do?
UT Austin journalist assaulted while covering protest
Appeals court nixes TV coverage of key arguments on LGBT rights
Student journalists among those attacked by police in St. Louis
GOP governors launch ‘news’ site critics call propaganda
Journalists detained in St. Louis protests
Michigan journalist assaulted while recording protestors
Protesters threaten St. Louis TV reporter, toss water at him
Sessions seeks leak investgation rule change
Missouri blogger assaulted at his home
Louisville TV station fights warrant for reporter's notes, video in officer shooting
Charge dismissed against arrested West Virginia journalist
KTVU anchor: 'I experienced hate firsthand' at Berkeley rally
'We were targets because we had cameras' at Antifa rally
Judge orders tech co. to release user data from anti-Trump website
Trump portrays journalists as anti-American enemy
Media lets loose its fury after Trump attacks
Court ruling could affect future media lawsuits
White supremacist threatens Afro-Latina anchor
(Caution: Contains Offensive Language)
White House still holding back visitor information
Trial set for Iowa reporter who recorded 'Bachelor' hearing
CNN won't air Trump 'president's enemies' campaign ad without changes
First Amendment assault could have ramifications for press freedom
Journalist targeted by Fox News anchor threatens sanctions if $50M suit isn't dropped
The lawyers who shut down Gawker go after another online news organization
ACLU sues governors, president, for blocking social media followers
Kushner, Secret Service try to force reporter to delete recording
NRA tells New York Times, 'We're Coming For You'
Bullet goes through Vermont reporter's window
Some leaks considered good, others bad
R. Kelly 'cult' story almost never ran
'Fake news' tactics disrupt newsgathering
WH asks Correspondents Association to criticize reporter
Maine Governor suggests making up stories to mislead media
Springfield, MO city council's method to fill open seat may have violated open meeting law
President appears to promote violence against CNN with tweet
San Antonio prosecutor excludes paper from news conference
Indiana judge blocks broadcast of hearing, station appeals
Two journalists arrested at Twin Cities protest
CNN chief blames Trump for threats against reporters
Reporter handcuffed for taking pictures
Senate Republicans crack down on press access
Gianforte pleads guilty to misdemeanor assault
Gianforte apologizes to Jacobs for attack
Windows shattered by bullets at Kentucky newspaper
Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters
Senate candidate who punched reporter in 1981 says he'd do it again
Congressional candidate allegedly 'body slams' reporter
Iowa judge sets tight rules in celebrity case
Tampa mayor jokes about firing weapon at media
Indiana judge bars broadcast of courtroom recording
FCC guards eject reporter for asking questions
West Virginia police arrest reporter for asking questions
Las Vegas news photographer arrested during protest
Subscribe to Voice of the First Amendment updates. Media companies, journalists, educators, students and members of the general public interested in supporting, or participating in the task force’s efforts, can contact us at pressfreedom@rtdna.org or call Executive Director Dan Shelley at 212-246-0398.
Journalists, don't get caught up in civil unrest
Covering civil unrest is one of the most ethically fraught & dangerous assignments. Read our statement here.
RTDNA expresses concern about reported impending DHS database of journalists
Monitoring journalists imperils the principles of the First Amendment. Read our statement here.
Weaponized ‘fake news’ claims are now doing real damage
Disturbing new poll finds more Americans believe journalists report “fake news.” Read our statement here.
RTDNA calls for broadcast coverage of Missouri governor’s felony trial
RTDNA and partners have field a Motion for Pre-Trial Conference in the case Read our statement here.
RTDNA urges prominent Delaware court to open proceedings to cameras
Court appears to have halted all electronic media coverage pending rules review. Read our statement here.
RTDNA renews effort to free Mexican journalist facing deportation from US
Journalist Emilio Gutierrez-Soto has received death threats for reporting on corruption. Read our statement here.
Dark clouds loomed over press freedom during Sunshine Week
Nationwide celebration of access to public information marred by lack of transparency. Read our statement here.
RTDNA asks 2018 candidates not to inflame anti-news media passions
Campaign committee chairs called on to remember that words matter. Read our statement here.
Sunshine Week: Government transparency more important than ever
It's too often slow, costly, or impossible to access information of vital public concern. Read our statement here.
RTDNA calls on Kentucky State Police to rescind unconstitutional order
Order attempts to compel journalists to withhold reporting. Read our statement here.
RTDNA applauds Georgia Supreme Court ruling in high-profile murder case
Court voided a gag order, ruling it unconstitutional. Read our statement here.
RTDNA demands transparency in investigations of Missouri governor
Investigation is of vital public interest and must be conducted openly. Read our statement here.
RTDNA applauds Washington governor for vetoing legislative secrecy bill
Veto is a First Amendment victory for Washington. Read our statement here.
RTDNA urges Washington governor to veto bill exempting lawmakers from open records laws
Senate Bill 6617 is an affront to people of Washington. Read our statement here.
RTDNA statement in response to outlandish NRA claim
We are journalists and we do what we do because you have a right to know. Read our statement here.
Why America needs the Journalist Protection Act - Dan Shelley
Read our statement here.
RTDNA demands Georgia Senate press office respect First Amendment
Threat to revoke press credentials is an assault on the public's right to know. Read our statement here.
‘Alternative news’ site signals tough year for responsible journalism
Attacking responsible journalists has become a new normal. Read our statement here.
RTDNA supports Journalist Protection Act
Bill would make it a federal crime to injure or intimidate journalists. Read our statement here.
Know Your Rights: Safety
Know how to stay safe when you're on a story. Read our statement here.
“Fake news” death threats portend deep problem for all journalists
RTDNA urges journalists to be mindful of security but not be intimidated. Read our statement here.
Eight journalists enter 2018 facing criminal charges
Journalists are facing possible fines and jail time just for doing their jobs. Read our statement here.
Trump puts journalists in a world of s&!%
Newsrooms faced an ethical and possibly legal conundrum. Read our statement here.
RTDNF announces 2018 First Amendment Award honorees
28th annual awards recognize First Amendment Champions. Read our statement here.
In two days Trump first champions, then assaults, First Amendment
A rare public meeting was followed by a call for libel review. Read our statement here.
2018: The year ahead for press freedom
Attacks on the press may continue, but so will those of us pursuing responsible journalism. Read our statement here.
Urgent! Save Mexican journalist Emilio Gutierrez
Award-winning journalist faces deportation tantamount to a death sentence. Read our statement here.
RTDNA calls on Iowa Supreme Court to reverse prior restraint order
Justice forbade reporter from publishing legally obtained documents. Read our statement here.
Thank you, Sen. McCain, for standing up for a free press
McCain encouraged President Trump to stop his attacks on responsible journalism. Read our statement here.
Responsible journalism wins in Alabama
But the war is far from over. Read our statement here.
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Watch RTDNA's Free Speech Week discussion on reporters' rights:
Since launching the effort, RTDNA has been working with leaders in the industry and other constituencies to assess the problem and to form strategies that will ensure that the public’s right, and need, to know what is going on in their communities, their states and their nation is protected and thrives.
Spearheading the effort is RTDNA Executive Director Dan Shelley, who described the task force’s early findings in Washington, D.C., at a forum organized by the National Press Club's Journalism Institute as part of its press freedom initiative.
Shelley told the panel that RTDNA members across the country are seeing an enhanced level of public vitriol in reaction to the pervasive “fake news” and “enemy of the people” rhetoric that has become even more widespread since the 2016 presidential election.
Watch his full comments:
In response to the feedback the task force has received so far, RTDNA is putting together a plan to, among other things, help the public understand that journalists work hard every day to provide, according to Shelley, “outstanding examples of what I call responsible electronic and digital journalism.”
The RTDNA Voice of the First Amendment Task Force continues to seek input and develop its comprehensive approach to public education about the importance of journalism, and to combat in other ways the contempt that many elected officials and members of the public have for it.
