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
Pinned
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 👇
Act 22 makes it difficult to access police bodycam recordings in Pennsylvania.
But that hasn’t stopped @rcfp.org attorneys from challenging the law's secrecy — fighting to access footage on behalf of journalists that is crucial for police accountability.
But that hasn’t stopped @rcfp.org attorneys from challenging the law's secrecy — fighting to access footage on behalf of journalists that is crucial for police accountability.
Inside RCFP attorneys’ fight for police transparency in Pennsylvania
Police bodycams were meant to deliver transparency, but in Pennsylvania, Act 22 makes that promise harder to keep.
www.rcfp.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Act 22 makes it difficult to access police bodycam recordings in Pennsylvania.
But that hasn’t stopped @rcfp.org attorneys from challenging the law's secrecy — fighting to access footage on behalf of journalists that is crucial for police accountability.
But that hasn’t stopped @rcfp.org attorneys from challenging the law's secrecy — fighting to access footage on behalf of journalists that is crucial for police accountability.
In a friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org argues that the Supreme Court must uphold guardrails on the president’s power to influence independent agencies — including those that exercise significant authority over the news industry.
RCFP to SCOTUS: Protect independence of federal regulators to prevent retaliation against the press
Agency independence plays an important role in protecting the free press, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
www.rcfp.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
In a friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org argues that the Supreme Court must uphold guardrails on the president’s power to influence independent agencies — including those that exercise significant authority over the news industry.
A judge has ordered the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to release police recordings that show the controversial arrests of two teenagers in March.
The ruling came one day after @rcfp.org attorneys argued for their disclosure on behalf of @lancasteronline.bsky.social.
The ruling came one day after @rcfp.org attorneys argued for their disclosure on behalf of @lancasteronline.bsky.social.
With support from RCFP attorneys, LNP | LancasterOnline wins access to police bodycam videos
“This is an important win not just for LNP but for the promise of transparency in the Commonwealth,” said RCFP Staff Attorney Gunita Singh.
www.rcfp.org
November 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
A judge has ordered the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to release police recordings that show the controversial arrests of two teenagers in March.
The ruling came one day after @rcfp.org attorneys argued for their disclosure on behalf of @lancasteronline.bsky.social.
The ruling came one day after @rcfp.org attorneys argued for their disclosure on behalf of @lancasteronline.bsky.social.
@marisakabas.bsky.social — represented by @rcfp.org attorneys — is suing to access police bodycam footage that documents how D.C. police assisted DOGE’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters.
Journalist sues to access bodycam footage of DOGE takeover at Institute of Peace
RCFP attorneys are representing journalist Marisa Kabas in her fight for D.C. police bodycam footage.
www.rcfp.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
@marisakabas.bsky.social — represented by @rcfp.org attorneys — is suing to access police bodycam footage that documents how D.C. police assisted DOGE’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters.
@rcfp.org is urging the governor of Puerto Rico to reject a bill that would make it more difficult to access public records and hold government officials accountable.
RCFP urges Puerto Rico governor to oppose ‘anti-transparency’ bill
Proposed changes to Puerto Rico’s public records law “would significantly diminish government transparency,” RCFP argues.
www.rcfp.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 PM
@rcfp.org is urging the governor of Puerto Rico to reject a bill that would make it more difficult to access public records and hold government officials accountable.
In a new Q&A, @rcfp.org's Jennifer Nelson explains why pre-publication review is such an in-demand resource for journalists, how the process works, and what lies ahead for RCFP’s legal vetting program.
💬 Read the interview: https://www.rcfp.org/jennifer-nelson-pre-publication-review/
💬 Read the interview: https://www.rcfp.org/jennifer-nelson-pre-publication-review/
![A quote from Jennifer Nelson: “There is absolutely a chilling effect that is happening right now where we’re seeing an increase in threats of defamation lawsuits. ... Pre-publication review can provide [news outlets] really important advice on risk, and can help them get to a point where they feel more comfortable pursuing and publishing those important stories.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wu6fjvtdjddjrugtfrrgluji/bafkreigk4suksqfq3imaqlh2eqx6tgjmmx4rltgiggv5mltvxgfblkflly@jpeg)
November 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
In a new Q&A, @rcfp.org's Jennifer Nelson explains why pre-publication review is such an in-demand resource for journalists, how the process works, and what lies ahead for RCFP’s legal vetting program.
💬 Read the interview: https://www.rcfp.org/jennifer-nelson-pre-publication-review/
💬 Read the interview: https://www.rcfp.org/jennifer-nelson-pre-publication-review/
Police bodycams were meant to deliver transparency, but in Pennsylvania, Act 22 makes that promise harder to keep.
On behalf of journalists, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting for — and winning access to — law enforcement recordings to promote accountability.
On behalf of journalists, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting for — and winning access to — law enforcement recordings to promote accountability.
Inside RCFP attorneys’ fight for police transparency in Pennsylvania
Police bodycams were meant to deliver transparency, but in Pennsylvania, Act 22 makes that promise harder to keep.
www.rcfp.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Police bodycams were meant to deliver transparency, but in Pennsylvania, Act 22 makes that promise harder to keep.
On behalf of journalists, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting for — and winning access to — law enforcement recordings to promote accountability.
On behalf of journalists, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting for — and winning access to — law enforcement recordings to promote accountability.
“It should be common sense that journalism isn’t a crime,” journalist Maya Lau said. “But few courts have had the chance to make clear that a retaliatory investigation of a journalist violates the Constitution.”
LA County must face journalist's challenge to retaliatory investigation, court rules
Journalist Maya Lau, co-represented by RCFP attorneys, sued LA County for unlawfully investigating her in retaliation for her reporting about police misconduct.
www.rcfp.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
“It should be common sense that journalism isn’t a crime,” journalist Maya Lau said. “But few courts have had the chance to make clear that a retaliatory investigation of a journalist violates the Constitution.”
Are you a journalist or media lawyer in need of legal assistance? Call or email @rcfp.org's free Legal Hotline: https://rcfp.org/legal-hotline/
☎️ We also operate a 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-336-4243.
☎️ We also operate a 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-336-4243.
Reporters Committee Legal Hotline
RCFP's free Legal Hotline is available seven days a week to journalists and media lawyers who need legal help or have questions about public records.
rcfp.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Are you a journalist or media lawyer in need of legal assistance? Call or email @rcfp.org's free Legal Hotline: https://rcfp.org/legal-hotline/
☎️ We also operate a 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-336-4243.
☎️ We also operate a 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-336-4243.
👇 This webinar is happening tonight!
From ICE raids to protests, journalists in the field are at risk more than ever. So, how should you prepare before a public event?
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
JAWS Webinar: Safety Tips for Journalists — JAWS
FREE WEBINAR NOVEMBER 19: Stay safe out there! From ICE raids to protests, journalists are at risk in public these days more than ever. So how should you prepare before a public event? Our panel...
www.jaws.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
👇 This webinar is happening tonight!
In a new friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org urges the Supreme Court to protect Congress’s power to structure independent agencies, arguing it “plays an important role in protecting First Amendment values — including the freedom of the press.”
RCFP to SCOTUS: Protect independence of federal regulators to prevent retaliation against the press
Agency independence plays an important role in protecting the free press, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.
www.rcfp.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
In a new friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org urges the Supreme Court to protect Congress’s power to structure independent agencies, arguing it “plays an important role in protecting First Amendment values — including the freedom of the press.”
“This is an important win not just for @lancasteronline.bsky.social but for the promise of transparency in the commonwealth,” said @rcfp.org attorney Gunita Singh.
With support from RCFP attorneys, LNP | LancasterOnline wins access to police bodycam videos
“This is an important win not just for LNP but for the promise of transparency in the Commonwealth,” said RCFP Staff Attorney Gunita Singh.
www.rcfp.org
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
“This is an important win not just for @lancasteronline.bsky.social but for the promise of transparency in the commonwealth,” said @rcfp.org attorney Gunita Singh.
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing journalist @marisakabas.bsky.social in her fight to access bodycam footage that documents DOGE’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters.
Journalist sues to access bodycam footage of DOGE takeover at Institute of Peace
RCFP attorneys are representing journalist Marisa Kabas in her fight for D.C. police bodycam footage.
www.rcfp.org
November 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
@rcfp.org attorneys are representing journalist @marisakabas.bsky.social in her fight to access bodycam footage that documents DOGE’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters.
“In Tennessee, court rules are clear that juvenile delinquency proceedings should be open by default,” said @rcfp.org's Paul McAdoo. “This unlawful policy deprives the public of timely, accurate information.”
Media coalition challenges access restrictions to Memphis juvenile delinquency proceedings
The four news organizations are represented by RCFP attorney Paul McAdoo.
www.rcfp.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
“In Tennessee, court rules are clear that juvenile delinquency proceedings should be open by default,” said @rcfp.org's Paul McAdoo. “This unlawful policy deprives the public of timely, accurate information.”
In a new Q&A, @a-marshall-plan.bsky.social discusses his experience fighting for public records, how the Trump administration stacks up on transparency, and @rcfp.org ramping up litigation efforts on behalf of the press.
Read more: https://www.rcfp.org/adam-marshall-national-litigation-director/
Read more: https://www.rcfp.org/adam-marshall-national-litigation-director/
November 16, 2025 at 4:10 PM
In a new Q&A, @a-marshall-plan.bsky.social discusses his experience fighting for public records, how the Trump administration stacks up on transparency, and @rcfp.org ramping up litigation efforts on behalf of the press.
Read more: https://www.rcfp.org/adam-marshall-national-litigation-director/
Read more: https://www.rcfp.org/adam-marshall-national-litigation-director/
Without explanation, court records surrounding the prosecution of an alleged drug ring have been sealed.
@rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke is representing a media coalition in its fight to access the records.
@rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke is representing a media coalition in its fight to access the records.
PA media coalition challenges secrecy surrounding prosecution of alleged drug ring
An RCFP attorney is representing three news outlets in their fight to access court records.
www.rcfp.org
November 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Without explanation, court records surrounding the prosecution of an alleged drug ring have been sealed.
@rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke is representing a media coalition in its fight to access the records.
@rcfp.org's Paula Knudsen Burke is representing a media coalition in its fight to access the records.
A nice look from @knightfoundation.org at how legal support helps journalists do their best work, with shoutouts for @rcfp.org, @splc.org, @facoalition.bsky.social, and more.
How legal support helps journalists do their best work
Knight expands legal aid for local newsrooms amid rising demand and cost barriers
newsatknight.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
A nice look from @knightfoundation.org at how legal support helps journalists do their best work, with shoutouts for @rcfp.org, @splc.org, @facoalition.bsky.social, and more.
From ICE raids to protests, journalists in the field are at risk more than ever. So, how should you prepare before a public event?
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
JAWS Webinar: Safety Tips for Journalists — JAWS
FREE WEBINAR NOVEMBER 19: Stay safe out there! From ICE raids to protests, journalists are at risk in public these days more than ever. So how should you prepare before a public event? Our panel...
www.jaws.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
From ICE raids to protests, journalists in the field are at risk more than ever. So, how should you prepare before a public event?
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
Next week, a @womenjournos.bsky.social panel — feat. @rcfp.org's Jen Nelson — will offer advice on how to stay safe and mitigate danger. Details:
A federal judge has ruled that LA County must face journalist Maya Lau’s lawsuit, which alleges that sheriff's deputies unlawfully investigated her in retaliation for her reporting about police misconduct.
@rcfp.org attorneys are co-representing Lau in the case.
@rcfp.org attorneys are co-representing Lau in the case.
LA County must face journalist's challenge to retaliatory investigation, court rules
Journalist Maya Lau, co-represented by RCFP attorneys, sued LA County for unlawfully investigating her in retaliation for her reporting about police misconduct.
www.rcfp.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:08 AM
A federal judge has ruled that LA County must face journalist Maya Lau’s lawsuit, which alleges that sheriff's deputies unlawfully investigated her in retaliation for her reporting about police misconduct.
@rcfp.org attorneys are co-representing Lau in the case.
@rcfp.org attorneys are co-representing Lau in the case.
@rcfp.org's Paul McAdoo is representing a media coalition in challenging the Memphis juvenile court’s unlawful restrictions on access to delinquency proceedings.
The lawsuit argues that they unlawfully impede news coverage and stifle public oversight of the justice system.
The lawsuit argues that they unlawfully impede news coverage and stifle public oversight of the justice system.
Media coalition challenges access restrictions to Memphis juvenile delinquency proceedings
The four news organizations are represented by RCFP attorney Paul McAdoo.
www.rcfp.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
@rcfp.org's Paul McAdoo is representing a media coalition in challenging the Memphis juvenile court’s unlawful restrictions on access to delinquency proceedings.
The lawsuit argues that they unlawfully impede news coverage and stifle public oversight of the justice system.
The lawsuit argues that they unlawfully impede news coverage and stifle public oversight of the justice system.
Longtime @rcfp.org attorney Jennifer Nelson is now our director of pre-publication review and journalist support!
Nelson will oversee our expanding legal vetting program, allowing even more reporters to pursue hard-hitting investigations.
Nelson will oversee our expanding legal vetting program, allowing even more reporters to pursue hard-hitting investigations.
Meet the attorney leading RCFP’s work to vet investigative stories, films for legal risk
Jennifer Nelson oversees the expansion of RCFP’s pre-publication review program at a time of critical need.
www.rcfp.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Longtime @rcfp.org attorney Jennifer Nelson is now our director of pre-publication review and journalist support!
Nelson will oversee our expanding legal vetting program, allowing even more reporters to pursue hard-hitting investigations.
Nelson will oversee our expanding legal vetting program, allowing even more reporters to pursue hard-hitting investigations.
In a new lawsuit on behalf of a media coalition, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting secrecy around state executions in Tennessee by challenging unconstitutional restrictions on press access.
News outlets challenge Tennessee restrictions on press access to executions
Represented by RCFP attorneys, a news media coalition argues that Tennessee’s restrictions on press access to executions are unconstitutional.
www.rcfp.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 AM
In a new lawsuit on behalf of a media coalition, @rcfp.org attorneys are fighting secrecy around state executions in Tennessee by challenging unconstitutional restrictions on press access.
Following widespread pressure — including from @rcfp.org's Kris Cundiff — Indiana University recently backed down from its decision to stop @idsnews.bsky.social from printing news coverage in the campus newspaper.
RCFP attorney represents Indiana Daily Student editors in censorship fight
An RCFP attorney representing the Indiana Daily Student’s editors calls the school’s efforts to silence the newspaper “ill-advised” and "unconstitutional."
www.rcfp.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Following widespread pressure — including from @rcfp.org's Kris Cundiff — Indiana University recently backed down from its decision to stop @idsnews.bsky.social from printing news coverage in the campus newspaper.
The Colorado Supreme Court recently held that @sentinelcolorado.com is a “citizen” under the state's Open Records Law.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that The Sentinel is a ‘citizen.’ Here’s why that matters.
An RCFP attorney represents The Sentinel in a dispute with the city of Aurora over the news outlet’s ability to recover legal fees in a lawsuit.
www.rcfp.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The Colorado Supreme Court recently held that @sentinelcolorado.com is a “citizen” under the state's Open Records Law.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.
The ruling improves news outlets' ability to recover attorney fees when challenging government secrecy.