Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
@rcfp.org
The Reporters Committee provides free legal help to journalists and protects their First Amendment rights. (RCFP for short.) Find us at rcfp.org.
☎️ Legal Hotline: 800-336-4243 | [email protected]
✉️ Sign up for our newsletters: rcfp.org/subscribe
☎️ Legal Hotline: 800-336-4243 | [email protected]
✉️ Sign up for our newsletters: rcfp.org/subscribe
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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press provides free legal guides and resources to help reporters understand their rights.
rcfp.org
👋 We’re the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), a nonpartisan nonprofit that provides free legal help to journalists and protects their First Amendment + newsgathering rights.
Follow us to keep up with the fight for #pressfreedom!
Learn more at rcfp.org and in the thread below 👇
Follow us to keep up with the fight for #pressfreedom!
Learn more at rcfp.org and in the thread below 👇
@rcfp.org is urging lawmakers in Illinois to pass a bill that would ensure public media outlets run by universities can operate with full editorial autonomy.
The law would “help protect the free flow of information generally and the freedom of public media specifically.”
The law would “help protect the free flow of information generally and the freedom of public media specifically.”
RCFP supports Illinois bill aimed at protecting public media stations at public universities
The bill would protect the editorial autonomy of non-student public media stations affiliated with public universities.
www.rcfp.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:47 PM
@rcfp.org is urging lawmakers in Illinois to pass a bill that would ensure public media outlets run by universities can operate with full editorial autonomy.
The law would “help protect the free flow of information generally and the freedom of public media specifically.”
The law would “help protect the free flow of information generally and the freedom of public media specifically.”
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing the Bucks County Courier Times in its fight to unseal court records related to the wrongful-death lawsuit of 14-year-old Grace Packer.
PA newspaper seeks settlement records in wrongful-death lawsuit related to teen’s murder
RCFP attorneys have spent years representing the Bucks County Courier Times in its fight to unseal the records.
www.rcfp.org
January 10, 2026 at 3:52 PM
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing the Bucks County Courier Times in its fight to unseal court records related to the wrongful-death lawsuit of 14-year-old Grace Packer.
“Anytime that Congress tries to get in the business of inquiring into or interfering in constitutionally protected newsgathering, it’s a problem,” said @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman. [via @washingtonpost.com]
House votes to subpoena journalist over report on Delta Force commander
A lawmaker accused Seth Harp of “leaking classified intel” after he posted a photograph of a person he identified as the head of the elite unit responsible for the Venezuela operation.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:45 PM
“Anytime that Congress tries to get in the business of inquiring into or interfering in constitutionally protected newsgathering, it’s a problem,” said @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman. [via @washingtonpost.com]
On Jan. 22, @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson will lead a virtual training on covering immigration enforcement — helping journalists plan ahead, make real-time decisions, and stay protected in unpredictable environments.
Presented by @journalists.org and IWMF, with support from @fordfoundation.org. RSVP 👇
Presented by @journalists.org and IWMF, with support from @fordfoundation.org. RSVP 👇
journalists.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:13 PM
On Jan. 22, @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson will lead a virtual training on covering immigration enforcement — helping journalists plan ahead, make real-time decisions, and stay protected in unpredictable environments.
Presented by @journalists.org and IWMF, with support from @fordfoundation.org. RSVP 👇
Presented by @journalists.org and IWMF, with support from @fordfoundation.org. RSVP 👇
FCC Chair Brendan Carr's recent congressional testimony raises “serious constitutional concerns” over the agency's authority to regulate news broadcasters.
FCC chairman’s testimony raises ‘serious constitutional concerns’
Despite what FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told Congress, the FCC has limited authority to regulate the licenses of news broadcasters.
www.rcfp.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:14 PM
FCC Chair Brendan Carr's recent congressional testimony raises “serious constitutional concerns” over the agency's authority to regulate news broadcasters.
Journalists: Build your skills by signing up for a February session in ProJourn’s safety training series!
Co-presented by @theajp.bsky.social and IWMF, this virtual series helps journalists + newsrooms understand their legal rights and how to protect themselves while reporting.
RSVP links👇
Co-presented by @theajp.bsky.social and IWMF, this virtual series helps journalists + newsrooms understand their legal rights and how to protect themselves while reporting.
RSVP links👇
January 7, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Journalists: Build your skills by signing up for a February session in ProJourn’s safety training series!
Co-presented by @theajp.bsky.social and IWMF, this virtual series helps journalists + newsrooms understand their legal rights and how to protect themselves while reporting.
RSVP links👇
Co-presented by @theajp.bsky.social and IWMF, this virtual series helps journalists + newsrooms understand their legal rights and how to protect themselves while reporting.
RSVP links👇
@theintercept.com and @revealnews.org — co-represented by @rcfp.org attorneys — are asking a court to unseal records concerning the Trump administration's efforts to deport students and faculty who participate in pro-Palestinian activism.
News outlets fight to unseal court records in dispute over Trump’s deportation policy
RCFP attorneys are co-representing The Intercept and The Center for Investigative Reporting in the case.
www.rcfp.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:52 PM
@theintercept.com and @revealnews.org — co-represented by @rcfp.org attorneys — are asking a court to unseal records concerning the Trump administration's efforts to deport students and faculty who participate in pro-Palestinian activism.
@rcfp.org is urging Illinois lawmakers to pass a bill that would insulate non-student public media organizations run by public universities from undue political influence or pressure.
RCFP supports Illinois bill aimed at protecting public media stations at public universities
The bill would protect the editorial autonomy of non-student public media stations affiliated with public universities.
www.rcfp.org
January 6, 2026 at 9:54 PM
@rcfp.org is urging Illinois lawmakers to pass a bill that would insulate non-student public media organizations run by public universities from undue political influence or pressure.
In 2025, @rcfp.org attorneys litigated over 120 matters on behalf of journalists and news outlets — challenging everything from press restrictions around state executions to federal secrecy on immigration enforcement.
Read about all of our work defending press freedom in our year in review:
Read about all of our work defending press freedom in our year in review:
Defending press freedom from unprecedented threat: RCFP’s 2025 year in review
In the face of repeated attacks on press freedom, RCFP stepped up time and again to defend journalists and the public’s right to know.
www.rcfp.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:14 PM
In 2025, @rcfp.org attorneys litigated over 120 matters on behalf of journalists and news outlets — challenging everything from press restrictions around state executions to federal secrecy on immigration enforcement.
Read about all of our work defending press freedom in our year in review:
Read about all of our work defending press freedom in our year in review:
🚨 NY journalists: On Jan. 22, join us for a free training on legal rights for journalists covering immigration enforcement.
The session will include strategies to navigate high-risk situations, protect newsgathering materials, and minimize the risk of detention.
RSVP links below 👇
The session will include strategies to navigate high-risk situations, protect newsgathering materials, and minimize the risk of detention.
RSVP links below 👇
January 5, 2026 at 9:14 PM
🚨 NY journalists: On Jan. 22, join us for a free training on legal rights for journalists covering immigration enforcement.
The session will include strategies to navigate high-risk situations, protect newsgathering materials, and minimize the risk of detention.
RSVP links below 👇
The session will include strategies to navigate high-risk situations, protect newsgathering materials, and minimize the risk of detention.
RSVP links below 👇
Michigan has adopted an anti-SLAPP law!
@rcfp.org had expressed support for the legislation, which allows courts to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits intended to chill speech about matters of public interest.
@rcfp.org had expressed support for the legislation, which allows courts to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits intended to chill speech about matters of public interest.
RCFP urges Michigan lawmakers to pass anti-SLAPP bill
The legislation would allow courts to quickly weed out meritless lawsuits intended to chill speech about matters of public interest.
www.rcfp.org
January 5, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Michigan has adopted an anti-SLAPP law!
@rcfp.org had expressed support for the legislation, which allows courts to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits intended to chill speech about matters of public interest.
@rcfp.org had expressed support for the legislation, which allows courts to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits intended to chill speech about matters of public interest.
A proposed rule governing public access to state appellate court records in Tennessee would run afoul of the First Amendment and the state Constitution.
RCFP: Proposed Tennessee court access rule raises constitutional concerns
If adopted, the rule would violate the First Amendment and Tennessee Constitution, RCFP argues.
www.rcfp.org
January 4, 2026 at 4:55 PM
A proposed rule governing public access to state appellate court records in Tennessee would run afoul of the First Amendment and the state Constitution.
The indiscriminate force used by federal law enforcement officers against journalists covering immigration protests chills reporting on matters of public concern.
RCFP: Federal government’s indiscriminate use of crowd-control tactics violates First Amendment
The indiscriminate force used against journalists covering protests chills reporting on matters of public concern and undermines the public’s right to know.
www.rcfp.org
January 3, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The indiscriminate force used by federal law enforcement officers against journalists covering immigration protests chills reporting on matters of public concern.
There are serious constitutional concerns with enforcing the FCC’s “news distortion” policy and “broadcast hoax” rule, which can be used to improperly target news coverage perceived as unfavorable to the Trump administration.
FCC chairman’s testimony raises ‘serious constitutional concerns’
Despite what FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told Congress, the FCC has limited authority to regulate the licenses of news broadcasters.
www.rcfp.org
January 2, 2026 at 5:27 PM
There are serious constitutional concerns with enforcing the FCC’s “news distortion” policy and “broadcast hoax” rule, which can be used to improperly target news coverage perceived as unfavorable to the Trump administration.
In 2025, @rcfp.org's free legal support on behalf of journalists and newsrooms struck down unconstitutional laws, held law enforcement accountable, and fueled important investigative reporting.
Read more in our year-end recap:
Read more in our year-end recap:
Defending press freedom from unprecedented threat: RCFP’s 2025 year in review
In the face of repeated attacks on press freedom, RCFP stepped up time and again to defend journalists and the public’s right to know.
www.rcfp.org
December 31, 2025 at 5:11 PM
In 2025, @rcfp.org's free legal support on behalf of journalists and newsrooms struck down unconstitutional laws, held law enforcement accountable, and fueled important investigative reporting.
Read more in our year-end recap:
Read more in our year-end recap:
In the latest edition of The Nuance, @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman explains the legal theories advanced by @nytimes.com in its 1A lawsuit challenging the Pentagon's new press policy.
Breaking down the Gray Lady's lawsuit against the Pentagon
RCFP's Gabe Rottman explains the legal theories advanced by The New York Times in its lawsuit challenging the Pentagon's new press access policy.
www.rcfp.org
December 30, 2025 at 5:08 PM
In the latest edition of The Nuance, @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman explains the legal theories advanced by @nytimes.com in its 1A lawsuit challenging the Pentagon's new press policy.
For over 50 years, @rcfp.org's legal services have been available to journalists and newsrooms across the country — free of charge — thanks to generous donors like you.
Stand up for America's free press by making a contribution today:
Stand up for America's free press by making a contribution today:
Support Press Freedom in 2025 | The Reporters Committee
When America's free press is under threat, journalists know that they have one place to go: the Reporters Committee.
www.rcfp.org
December 29, 2025 at 5:50 PM
For over 50 years, @rcfp.org's legal services have been available to journalists and newsrooms across the country — free of charge — thanks to generous donors like you.
Stand up for America's free press by making a contribution today:
Stand up for America's free press by making a contribution today:
A Pennsylvania judge recently unsealed autopsy records that shed light on the mysterious 2003 death of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna.
The decision came after @lancasteronline.bsky.social, represented by @rcfp.org’s Paula Knudsen Burke, fought for years to make the documents public.
The decision came after @lancasteronline.bsky.social, represented by @rcfp.org’s Paula Knudsen Burke, fought for years to make the documents public.
Unsealed autopsy reveals details about mysterious death of prosecutor Jonathan Luna
An RCFP attorney represented LNP | LancasterOnline in its yearslong legal battle to unseal the records.
www.rcfp.org
December 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A Pennsylvania judge recently unsealed autopsy records that shed light on the mysterious 2003 death of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna.
The decision came after @lancasteronline.bsky.social, represented by @rcfp.org’s Paula Knudsen Burke, fought for years to make the documents public.
The decision came after @lancasteronline.bsky.social, represented by @rcfp.org’s Paula Knudsen Burke, fought for years to make the documents public.
A Colorado town pulled advertising from local newspaper The I-70 Scout in retaliation for reporting it disliked. After an @rcfp.org attorney representing the newspaper pushed back, the town reversed course.
After RCFP pushback, Colorado town settles First Amendment dispute with local newspaper
The town of Bennett, Colorado, had pulled advertising from The I-70 Scout in retaliation for its reporting.
www.rcfp.org
December 27, 2025 at 4:17 PM
A Colorado town pulled advertising from local newspaper The I-70 Scout in retaliation for reporting it disliked. After an @rcfp.org attorney representing the newspaper pushed back, the town reversed course.
🚨 New York journalists: On Jan. 22, join us for a free training that will provide you with a clear understanding of your rights when covering immigration enforcement.
Details + RSVP:
Details + RSVP:
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Legal training for NY-based journalists. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
This legal training will provide New York–based journalists with a clear, practical understanding of their rights and responsibilities when covering immigration issues and encounters involving law enf...
us06web.zoom.us
December 26, 2025 at 8:47 PM
🚨 New York journalists: On Jan. 22, join us for a free training that will provide you with a clear understanding of your rights when covering immigration enforcement.
Details + RSVP:
Details + RSVP:
For months, the public was kept in the dark regarding a wide-ranging prosecution into an interstate drug ring. But a judge recently lifted the veil of secrecy after an @rcfp.org attorney fought to unseal court records on behalf of three local news outlets.
Lehigh County judge orders unsealing of criminal dockets tied to interstate drug ring prosecutions
Represented by an RCFP attorney, three Pennsylvania news outlets fought to make the dockets and judicial records public.
www.rcfp.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:56 PM
For months, the public was kept in the dark regarding a wide-ranging prosecution into an interstate drug ring. But a judge recently lifted the veil of secrecy after an @rcfp.org attorney fought to unseal court records on behalf of three local news outlets.
From the president of the United States down to state and local officials, the public’s right to know is under attack.
With your support, @rcfp.org can fight back.
If you value a free press, make a donation today:
With your support, @rcfp.org can fight back.
If you value a free press, make a donation today:
Support Press Freedom in 2025 | The Reporters Committee
When America's free press is under threat, journalists know that they have one place to go: the Reporters Committee.
www.rcfp.org
December 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
From the president of the United States down to state and local officials, the public’s right to know is under attack.
With your support, @rcfp.org can fight back.
If you value a free press, make a donation today:
With your support, @rcfp.org can fight back.
If you value a free press, make a donation today:
Charlotte police released bodycam footage that sheds light on the criminal history of the man accused of a fatal light-rail train stabbing.
The move came after an @rcfp.org attorney helped a @charlotteobserver.com reporter fight for its disclosure in court.
The move came after an @rcfp.org attorney helped a @charlotteobserver.com reporter fight for its disclosure in court.
Newly released bodycam footage shows prior arrest of man charged in Charlotte light rail stabbing
An RCFP attorney helped a Charlotte Observer reporter successfully petition for the disclosure of the video.
www.rcfp.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Charlotte police released bodycam footage that sheds light on the criminal history of the man accused of a fatal light-rail train stabbing.
The move came after an @rcfp.org attorney helped a @charlotteobserver.com reporter fight for its disclosure in court.
The move came after an @rcfp.org attorney helped a @charlotteobserver.com reporter fight for its disclosure in court.
In 2025, @rcfp.org and our attorneys:
🏛️ Litigated 120+ matters on behalf of journalists
📝 Filed 75+ friend-of-the-court briefs promoting press freedom
☎️ Fielded 700+ inquiries to our Legal Hotline
🎓 Trained 2,600+ on legal rights
🔍 Vetted 30+ stories and documentaries
Read our year-end review:
🏛️ Litigated 120+ matters on behalf of journalists
📝 Filed 75+ friend-of-the-court briefs promoting press freedom
☎️ Fielded 700+ inquiries to our Legal Hotline
🎓 Trained 2,600+ on legal rights
🔍 Vetted 30+ stories and documentaries
Read our year-end review:
Defending press freedom from unprecedented threat: RCFP’s 2025 year in review
In the face of repeated attacks on press freedom, RCFP stepped up time and again to defend journalists and the public’s right to know.
www.rcfp.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:14 PM
In 2025, @rcfp.org and our attorneys:
🏛️ Litigated 120+ matters on behalf of journalists
📝 Filed 75+ friend-of-the-court briefs promoting press freedom
☎️ Fielded 700+ inquiries to our Legal Hotline
🎓 Trained 2,600+ on legal rights
🔍 Vetted 30+ stories and documentaries
Read our year-end review:
🏛️ Litigated 120+ matters on behalf of journalists
📝 Filed 75+ friend-of-the-court briefs promoting press freedom
☎️ Fielded 700+ inquiries to our Legal Hotline
🎓 Trained 2,600+ on legal rights
🔍 Vetted 30+ stories and documentaries
Read our year-end review:
For decades, questions swirled over the mysterious death of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna in rural Pennsylvania.
With the help of an @rcfp.org attorney, @lancasteronline.bsky.social waged a yearslong battle to unseal Luna’s autopsy report, shedding new light on the case.
With the help of an @rcfp.org attorney, @lancasteronline.bsky.social waged a yearslong battle to unseal Luna’s autopsy report, shedding new light on the case.
Unsealed autopsy reveals details about mysterious death of prosecutor Jonathan Luna
An RCFP attorney represented LNP | LancasterOnline in its yearslong legal battle to unseal the records.
www.rcfp.org
December 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
For decades, questions swirled over the mysterious death of federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna in rural Pennsylvania.
With the help of an @rcfp.org attorney, @lancasteronline.bsky.social waged a yearslong battle to unseal Luna’s autopsy report, shedding new light on the case.
With the help of an @rcfp.org attorney, @lancasteronline.bsky.social waged a yearslong battle to unseal Luna’s autopsy report, shedding new light on the case.