Latest news with #BillMcCarren
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Press Club: Media Tour on Attacks Against Journalists Covering US Protests
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- News Advisory: What: Satellite Media Tour (SMT) with Gabe Rottman, VP of Policy, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club When: Friday, June 20 (interview slots available starting at 8:00 am Eastern through 11:00 am Eastern) Where: Originating from the National Press Club studios. Booking Information: Contact Melanie Ierardi (202-662-7592 or mierardi@ to arrange a window. News hook: During the recent protests in Los Angeles, viewers witnessed journalists being shot with rubber bullets, pepper balls, and tear gas while being physically pushed, and in some cases detained by police. On Tuesday, June 10, National Press Club President Mike Balsamo sent a letter to Sheriff Robert Luna in an effort to create a useful dialogue between law enforcement and the media. LAPD responded with their own letter on Thursday, June 12. With National Guard troops still federalized and U.S. Marines now deployed, communicating about safety issues for journalists is paramount. The First Amendment itself is in the balance. Last weekend, more protests took place related to No Kings Day and the military anniversary parade. It is time to look at lessons learned from the past week, as more mass protests are likely to come. BACKGROUND: After the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the LAPD provided significant safety training to more than 4,000 of their personnel. This training included instructions on the best practices for working safely with journalists. The investment in the training was in the millions, and some of the training has indeed been put to use by officers. But recent events have made it clear that the need for re-training is high. Gabe Rottman is vice president of policy for Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Previously, Mr. Rottman has worked for PEN America and the American Civil Liberties Union. He is a practicing attorney with a focus on the intersection of press freedom, newsgathering, and technology. Mr. Rottman received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Bill McCarren was Executive Director of the National Press Club for 15 years, until shifting in 2024 to form the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club. The Center focuses on helping journalists in trouble. Over the years, he has led major campaigns to help journalists overseas and is now increasingly focused on journalists working in the U.S. He has appeared on television this year on outlets including BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, Fox 5-DC, NewsNation, and others. CALL TO ACTION: Your tax-free donation can support the work of the Press Freedom Center URL here: Working journalists in the field who encounter problems such as arrests or detention or who are assaulted by police or have their equipment destroyed or taken may contact the RCFP Hotline at 1-800-336-4243 or hotline@ Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club or media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Press Club
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Press Club Statement on Proposed Cuts to Public Media Funding
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Below is a statement from Mike Balsamo, president of the National Press Club, on efforts to cancel funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS. "Public media is not a partisan issue. It is a public service. For decades, public media has delivered trusted journalism and essential community information to millions of Americans — especially in regions where no other independent news source exists. As local newsrooms close across the country, news deserts are expanding. In many rural areas and underserved communities, public media remains the only free, reliable source of local news. It connects citizens with essential information, whether during a hurricane evacuation, a public health emergency, or local civic coverage that holds government accountable. Democracy depends on an informed public. Public media plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring that Americans have access to the journalism they need to fully participate in civic life. Defunding public media would harm the very communities that rely on it most — and weaken our collective ability to stay informed. The National Press Club urges Congress to reject this shortsighted proposal and to protect public media as a vital pillar of American democracy and an essential service for all citizens." Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With more than 2,500 members, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 or media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Press Club Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Press Club Statement on Retaliation Against The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Press Club President Mike Balsamo today issued the following statement on the White House's retaliatory actions against The Associated Press: "Freedom of speech is not a privilege the government grants or revokes — it is a right that belongs to the people. The White House barring Associated Press journalists for not using government-imposed language is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and a brazen attack on press freedom. Today's actions represent a dangerous escalation of government interference in journalism and a direct threat to the public's right to independent, fact-based information. The First Amendment is clear: the government has no authority over the editorial decisions of news organizations. Yet, while claiming to uphold free speech, the White House is actively undermining it by restricting press access in retaliation for independent editorial judgment. The First Amendment does not just protect the press; it protects the public. If the government can dictate the language journalists use, it can dictate the language you use. A free and independent press is not just about holding government accountable. It ensures that Americans have the information they need to make informed decisions about their lives, their communities and their democracy. The National Press Club stands unwavering in defense of the First Amendment and in solidarity with all those committed to independent reporting. We call on the White House to immediately reverse this decision and reaffirm its commitment to press freedom. The First Amendment is not up for debate — it is the foundation of our democracy, and we will fight to protect it." About the National Press Club: Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 2,500 members representing nearly every major journalism organization. The Club and its Press Freedom Center are leading voices for press freedom matters in the U.S. and worldwide. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534, wmccarren@ of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Press Club Sign in to access your portfolio
