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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

@rcfp.org

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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

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · Nov 20

👋 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 👇

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

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 8h

@rcfp.org and the White House Correspondents' Association, joined by 46 news and media organizations, are urging a federal appeals court to restore @apnews.com’s access to the White House press pool.

Media coalition urges federal appeals court to restore AP’s access to White House press pool

The White House’s expulsion of The Associated Press violated the First Amendment, RCFP argues in a friend-of-the-court brief.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 1d

@rcfp.org's monthly newsletter includes the latest press freedom news, updates on our work defending journalists, and original analyses on 1A issues.

Our October edition goes out on Friday — subscribe now to make sure it's delivered directly to your inbox:

www.rcfp.org

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 2d

Learn more about the 2025 Freedom of the Press Awards:

2025 Freedom of the Press Awards | The Reporters Committee

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press recognizes journalism and media law leaders at its annual Freedom of the Press Awards.

www.rcfp.org

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 2d

@propublica.org’s latest reporting on SpaceX’s financial ties to Chinese investors is based on newly uncovered court records that it obtained through successful litigation with free legal support from attorneys at @rcfp.org and the law firm Shaw Keller.

ProPublica: Newly uncovered court records show SpaceX took money directly from Chinese investors

RCFP attorneys helped ProPublica obtain access to court records filed in a legal dispute between SpaceX investors.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 2d

"I think her legacy is rooted in her unwavering belief in the values of journalism."

US Agency for Global Media Deputy CEO Kelu Chao on Amanda Bennett, winner of #RCFPAwards25's Career Achievement Award.

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

On Thursday at 4pm ET, @rcfp.org's Renee Griffin will participate in an #AccessFest panel on how to stay safe while reporting about ICE.

Details via @ire.org:

AccessFest 2025 schedule | October 9-11, 2025 | Online

Welcome to the #AccessFest25 conference schedule!

schedules.ire.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

@rcfp.org's letter urges DHS to provide guidance to its officers on the legal rights of journalists, including the right to record federal law enforcement operations in public.

It also asks DHS to adopt a policy of “arrest avoidance” for journalists.

RCFP calls DHS actions against journalists 'disturbing,' seeks meeting with federal officials

In a letter to DHS, RCFP highlights several incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

3⃣ And on Tuesday, an ICE agent in NYC threw a reporter out of an elevator in an immigration court building, leading to the serious injury of L. Vural Elibol, a journalist with a Turkish outlet who was standing in the hallway. [via @nytimes.com]

Journalist Injured in Chaotic Scene at New York Immigration Court

www.nytimes.com

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

2⃣ The next day, outside the same facility, ICE personnel reportedly shot at reporter Asal Rezaei’s vehicle with a pepper ball. [via FOX 32 Chicago]

Broadview Police launch investigation after CBS reporter's car allegedly was fired at with chemical munition

Broadview Police Department has opened a criminal investigation after a CBS Chicago reporter's car was allegedly fired at by ICE agents with chemical munition on Sunday.

www.fox32chicago.com

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

In the past week, there have been several troubling incidents between DHS officers and journalists.

1⃣ Last Saturday, federal agents arrested journalist Steve Held as he covered a protest at an ICE facility outside Chicago. [via @blockclubchi.bsky.social]

ICE Escalates Violence Against Protesters In Broadview; Journalist Arrested

The use of tear gas, flash bang grenades and other weapons against protesters and journalists ramped up Saturday after Broadview's mayor spoke out against ICE's tactics. Eleven people were arrested at...

blockclubchicago.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

“The disturbing detentions, arrests, and physical attacks that we have seen in recent weeks targeting journalists covering the actions of federal law enforcement officers raise serious First Amendment concerns," says @rcfp.org's Gabe Rottman.

RCFP's Gabe Rottman: “The disturbing detentions, arrests, and physical attacks that we have seen in recent weeks targeting journalists covering the actions of federal law enforcement officers raise serious First Amendment concerns ... We urge DHS to take immediate steps to provide guidance for its agents in the field on the First Amendment and legal rights of journalists.”

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 4d

In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, @rcfp.org called out several "disturbing" incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.

DHS must instruct its officers in the field to recognize the 1A rights of reporters.

RCFP calls DHS actions against journalists 'disturbing,' seeks meeting with federal officials

In a letter to DHS, RCFP highlights several incidents in which federal agents have arrested and used force against journalists.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 5d

"Qualified immunity lets too many officials escape accountability for their misconduct," said @rcfp.org's Grayson Clary. "But we're glad the court refused to let the county off the hook & made clear that investigating a journalist for doing her job violates the First Amendment." [2/2]

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 5d

Update: A federal judge rejected LA County’s motion to dismiss journalist Maya Lau’s 1A lawsuit, which alleges unlawful retaliation by sheriff's deputies over her reporting.

However, the court granted qualified immunity to individual officers — a troubling decision. [1/2]

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · Jun 15

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department secretly investigated journalist Maya Lau after she reported on deputies with histories of misconduct.

Now, co-represented by @rcfp.org attorneys, she's suing for unlawful retaliation.

Journalist Maya Lau sues former sheriff for his unlawful retaliation

The lawsuit alleges retaliation for Lau's coverage of LA County sheriff’s deputies with histories of dishonesty and other misconduct.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 6d

@rcfp.org has experienced attorneys available every day to help journalists with legal issues and questions, from FOIA to subpoena threats to court access.

☎️ Contact our Legal Hotline:

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.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 6d

Last week, @rcfp.org also urged DHS to scrap the policy, highlighting the risk that it could be used to retaliate against reporting perceived as unfavorable to the US government, among other concerning factors.

RCFP: DHS should scrap proposed changes to foreign journalist visas

A media coalition led by RCFP argues that limiting the duration of foreign journalist visas could chill newsgathering and reporting.

www.rcfp.org

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 6d

Sen. Ron Wyden is urging the Department of Homeland Security to abandon a proposed policy that would limit the duration of visas for foreign journalists working in the US, saying that it would "stifle meaningful reporting" and "chill press freedoms."

Wyden Urges DHS to Abandon Proposal to Further Restrict Visas of Foreign Journalists | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

www.wyden.senate.gov

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 6d

In a friend-of-the-court brief, @rcfp.org argues that access to information about execution proceedings is not only in the public interest — it is constitutionally required.

RCFP: Georgia restrictions on press access to executions are unconstitutional

Access to information about execution proceedings is not only in the public interest — it is constitutionally required.

www.rcfp.org

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 7d

How @rcfp.org is standing up for non-citizen journalists in Rümeysa Öztürk's high-profile immigration case: https://www.rcfp.org/ozturk-v-hyde-immigration-habeas/

Surveillance video footage shows Rümeysa Öztürk being arrested on the street in Massachusetts.

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 8d

You can contact the Council for Court Excellence, which is organizing the event, to check on the availability of a livestream. Thanks for your interest!

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 8d

A media coalition led by @rcfp.org is urging the Department of Homeland Security to scrap a proposed policy that would limit the duration of visas for foreign journalists working in the U.S., arguing that it could chill newsgathering and reporting.

RCFP: DHS should scrap proposed changes to foreign journalist visas

A media coalition led by RCFP argues that limiting the duration of foreign journalist visas could chill newsgathering and reporting.

www.rcfp.org

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 8d

👇 This is happening tonight!

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 29d

On Sept. 30 in D.C., @rcfp.org's Lisa Zycherman will join a Council for Court Excellence panel exploring U.S. immigration courts, including transparency challenges faced by journalists covering immigration beats.

RSVP:

2025 Bench-Bar-Media Dialogue

secure.qgiv.com

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 9d

@rcfp.org is hiring three new legal fellows to help us defend the First Amendment, protect the newsgathering rights of journalists, and improve access to public information.

Apply by Oct. 15: smrtr.io/tswKJ

A "We're hiring!" graphic for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 10d

“FOIAs can show waste, fraud, and abuse, which can be really important for government reform efforts, but they can also show really everyday things like how are benefits being distributed,” said @a-marshall-plan.bsky.social. “It is absolutely fundamental to democracy. [via @koaa5.bsky.social]

One year and waiting: How long-delayed records request with USAFA signals broader government issues

One year ago, KOAA filed a 64 word public records request with the Air Force Academy (USAFA), seeking email records between two individuals.

www.koaa.com

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Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press @rcfp.org · 11d

Nuns vs. The Vatican, a documentary chronicling sexual abuse within the Catholic church, premiered this month at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Through our partnership with @documentary.org‬, @rcfp.org attorneys provided free legal support for the film.

🎬 Learn more:

Nuns vs. The Vatican

<em>Nuns vs. The Vatican</em> exposes a scandal that’s growing in momentum inside the Catholic Church, from Emmy-winning director Lorena Luciano and executive producer Mariska Hargitay (<em>Law & Orde...

tiff.net